FALL 2019 GRADUATE COURSES
AST 380E Radiative Processes & Radiative Transfer
Prof. Pawan Kumar. This course introduces the essential elements of interaction between photons and matter astronomers need for determining properties of stars and other objects in the cosmos. Scattering, absorption, and emission of photons by atoms and molecules in plasma is discussed with emphasis on application to astrophysical systems. Working knowledge of electrodynamics, classical mechanics, and some quantum mechanics is required. Ast 380E is typically offered once every two years and is a core course for students in the Astronomy Ph.D. program.
AST 383 Astronomical Data Analysis
Prof. Milos Milosavljevic. Introduction to statistical data analysis and machine learning with applications to astronomy. The course covers the following foundational topics: maximum likelihood estimation, Bayesian statistical inference, clustering, dimensionality reduction, regression, classification, image processing, and time series analysis. It also dives deep into selected modern topics such as astronomical applications of machine learning with convolutional and recurrent deep neural autoencoders. All coursework involves coding and data visualization in the Python programing language and specialized libraries such as Numpy, Scipy, Scikit-learn, PyMC3, and TensorFlow. This course is offered once every two years and counts as a core course for students in the Astronomy Ph.D. program.
AST 383D Stellar Structure and Evolution
Prof. Keith Hawkins. Whether exploring the farthest reaches of the cosmos or our own Solar System we need to understand stars, the fundamental building blocks of the universe. This course covers the nature of stars from both theoretical and observational perspectives. We will explore the basic physics needed to interpret their observable properties, interior structure, and how they evolve over time. This course will cover the theory of stellar structure and evolution and the observational and experimental characteristics of stars. AST 383D is offered once every two years and is a core course for students in the Astronomy Ph.D. program.
AST 396C Elements of Cosmology
Prof. Paul Shapiro (Same as PHY 396T). Introduction to the origin and evolution of the universe as described by the Big Bang cosmology. We will study the expansion and thermal history of the universe, in accordance with General Relativity, including creation of elementary particles, atoms, radiation, dark matter and dark energy, along with the astronomical observations that confirm the theory. The latter include the Cosmic Microwave Background, the abundances of light elements predicted by Big Bang nucleosynthesis, and evidence for dark matter and of the dark energy responsible for accelerating the expansion today. We also discuss how tiny fluctuations in the distribution of matter and energy in the early universe were amplified over time to form galaxies and large-scale structure. AST 396C is generally offered once every two years (typically cross-listed as PHY 396T), and is a core course for students in the Astronomy Ph.D. program.
Prerequisite: Graduate standing or consent of instructor.
SPRING 2020 COURSES
AST 381 Planetary Astrophysics
Prof. Brendan Bowler. Over the past quarter century the field of exoplanets has accelerated from the first detection of a planet orbiting another star to become one of the leading areas of active research in Astronomy. This graduate-level course will introduce students to the dynamic field of planetary systems. Topics will include exoplanet detection methods, formation and migration pathways, demographics and orbital architectures, atmospheres and interiors, statistical properties, and habitability. In addition, students will gain practical experience analyzing actual data sets, reading journal articles, and developing research skills. Prerequisite: Graduate standing or consent of the instructor. This course is offered once every two years and may be counted as a core course for students in the Astronomy Ph.D. program.
AST 381C Gravitational Dynamics
Prof. Mike Boylan-Kolchin. This is one of the Astronomy graduate program's core courses and is typically offered in alternate years. It will provide a broad overview of gravitational dynamics in an astrophysical context. Topics covered will include collisionless and collisional dynamics, orbits, tides, gravitational collapse, a statistical description of N-body dynamics, self-gravitating fluids, and their application to planetary, stellar, galactic, and cosmological settings. Most of the course will assume Newtonian physics; a brief introduction to elements of General Relativity and modified gravity theories will also be included.
AST 392G Observing Techniques in Astronomy
Prof. Steven Finkelstein and Prof. Adam Kraus. This experiential, project-based course will first cover several key topics regarding astronomical observations, including observation planning, execution, data reduction, and analysis. Students will use the McDonald Observatory 30” telescope to complete several projects honing their skills in these areas. The culmination of the course will be proposing for time on the larger research-grade telescopes at McDonald Observatory, and obtaining, reducing, and analyzing data from that telescope for a final project. This course is co-taught with the upper-division course AST 376: Observing Methods in Astronomy, with different expectations for graduate and undergraduate students.
