A physical and astronomical (but non-mathematical) picture of the workings of Einstein's theories of relativity, and their application to cosmology and to black holes and wormholes, the most exotic and energetic objects known to scientists. Our aims in this course are two: to demystify black holes, big-bang cosmology, and the nature of space and time for non-science majors, in order that they may evaluate critically the frequent references to these esoteric concepts in the press and in popular science and science-fiction literature; and to provide non-science majors with a glimpse of the processes by which scientific theories are conceived and advanced. Typical textbook: Kip Thorne, "Black Holes and Time Warps"

BUILDING: MEL | ROOM: 221

PREREQUISITES: None.

Application of the physics and math techniques learned in the introductory course sequences, to the study of celestial objects outside the Solar system. We discuss stars and their formation from interstellar matter, the structure of galaxies and their distribution in the Universe, and the origins and large-scale structure of the Universe: all topics that are developed much further in the AST 200-level courses. The course also includes a night-time observing project, based upon student use of professional-style telescopes and CCD cameras. Registration of recitation is required at the time of course registration. Typical textbook: Marck Kutner, "Astronomy" A Physical Perspective," second edition.

BUILDING: TODD | ROOM: 202

PREREQUISITES: PHY 141-143 or PHY 121- 123 (PHY 123 may be taken concurrently); MTH 161-165 or MTH 171-174 (MTH 174 may be taken concurrently), or permission of instructor; AST 111 recommended but not required

An Introduction to Astrophysical Fluid Dynamics. This class explores topics in astrophysics while giving a solid foundation in the fundamentals of fluid mechanics. We introduce the theory of the motion of gases and fluids necessary to understand and explore a wide range of astronomical phenomena including stellar structure, supernovae blast waves and accretion discs. We will cover ideal fluid mechanics, Eulerian and Lagrangian views, conservations laws, hydrostatic equilibrium, self-similar flows, blast waves, spherical accretion and wind flows, astrophysics shocks, viscous flows, vorticity, accretion disks, atmospheric waves, hydrodynamic instabilities, and radiative heating and cooling. We will introduce finite difference numerical techniques so that dynamics in 1 dimension can be explored numerically. At the end of the term we will explore topics of recent interest such as gamma ray bursts, astrophysical turbulence or winds from exoplanets.

BUILDING: B&L | ROOM: 315

PREREQUISITES: PHY 237 (may be taken concurrently); familiarity with the subject matter of AST 142 and/or AST 111 is advised

This course will offer an overview of planetary interiors based on physical and numerical analyses. Planetary interiors provide crucial insights into the formation of planets and their evolution. The course will review materials including (but not limited to) basic physics of star and planet formation, planetary materials under high pressures, gravity fields, planetary impacts, magnetic fields, mantle convection, and exoplanet observations. Numerical analyses and data visualization are important aspects of the lectures and homework assignments. Basic coding skills are required.

BUILDING: LCHAS | ROOM: 103

PREREQUISITES: MTH 165, PHY 113 or equivalent. Coding experience in any language is required

Normally open to seniors concentrating in physics and astronomy. Independent study project under the direction of a faculty member of the Department of Physics and Astronomy.

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Normally open to seniors concentrating in physics and astronomy. Independent study project under the direction of a faculty member of the Department of Physics and Astronomy. This course can be used towards satisfying the upper level writing requirement.

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PREREQUISITES: Permission of instructor.

Completion of an independent research project under the direction of a faculty member of the Department of Physics and Astronomy.

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Completion of an independent research project under the direction of a faculty member of the Department of Physics and Astronomy. This course includes a writing component and can be used to satisfy part of the upper-level writing requirement.

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Completion of an independent research project under the direction of a faculty member.

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PREREQUISITES: Instructors permission.