FALL 2020 GRADUATE COURSES
AST 381 Formation Galax/Lrg-Scale Structure
Prof. Paul Shapiro, TTh 2-3:30 pm. The origin and evolution of galaxies and large-scale structure will be studied in the context of Big Bang cosmology. We will briefly review the expansion and thermal history of the homogeneous background universe, in accordance with General Relativity, including creation of elementary particles, atoms, radiation, dark matter and dark energy, along with astronomical observations that confirm the theory. We will then study 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 in a cosmic web, including evidence from observations of galaxies, the Cosmic Microwave Background and the intergalactic medium. We will learn how galaxies formed the first stars and reionized the universe during cosmic dawn, merged over time to grow and cluster in space, and gave birth to supermassive black holes, according to the nature of dark matter. This course 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.
AST 383C Stellar Atmospheres
Prof. Don Winget, MW 1-2:30 pm. We will examine the state-of-the-art of our understanding of stellar and planetary atmospheres and accretion disks, including observations and theoretical modeling. This is the foundation for much of what we know about all objects and scales in the universe. This foundation has cracks, to say the least, which we will explore. We will examine spectra of compact objects (white dwarfs and neutron stars) and spectra of accretion disks around compact objects, including those around supermassive black holes. These challenge our understanding of physics. We are currently experiencing a revolution in astronomy and astrophysics as the physical conditions for even very dense stellar atmospheres, for the first time in human history, can be explored in the laboratory using the most powerful X-ray source on Earth, the Z-machine, and the most powerful laser, at the National Ignition Facility. Much that we thought we knew about the constitutive physics—opacities, equations of state, and underlying atomic physics—is turning out to be incomplete, poorly understood, or just plain wrong. This is transforming the field of astronomy; through this class, you can be a part of the revolution as it unfolds. This is an Astronomy core course and is offered once every two years.
AST 386C Properties of Galaxies
Prof. Caitlin Casey, TTh 11-12:30 pm. This course establishes a strong foundation of knowledge and techniques used to interpret the properties and characteristics of galaxies, including our own Milky Way Galaxy, galaxies in the nearby Universe, and galaxies in the distant Universe. By the end of the course students should be able to (a) build a simple stellar population synthesis model for galaxies’ integrated starlight, (b) diagram stellar orbits in a galaxy’s gravitational potential, (c) identify different characteristics and origins of galaxies’ components, (d) describe the evolution of gas across different temperatures, densities, and scales, and (e) formulate and pose fundamental questions about galaxy formation and evolution. This course will also ground students’ intuition for data-driven empiricism and applied practice. By the end of the course students should be able to: (a) be proficient in discussing the tools of an observational astronomer, (b) solve problems computationally, and make appropriate approximations as needed, (c) read and synthesize material from review papers with present-day literature, and (d) share, talk and express informed opinions about galaxies with colleagues. This Astronomy course (“required”) course is offered once every two years.
AST 393F Survey of Interstellar Medium
Prof. Harriet Dinerstein, TTh 9:30-11 am. (Same as PHY 396T). AST 393F offers a broad survey of the constituents, thermal phases, and multi-wavelength studies of the interstellar medium including H I regions, H II regions, molecular clouds, dust, hot phases, and their interfaces. We will review the basics of atomic and molecular spectra and discuss physical processes in low-density environments including radiative transfer, emission mechanisms, and thermal balance, with an eye towards developing your intuition and understanding of how to observe the different phases. Topics of current interest such as photodissociation regions (PDRs), the intergalactic medium (IGM) and circumgalactic medium (CGM), and the ISM in different types and epochs of galaxies will be included. The class format will emphasize small student projects and reports throughout the semester. This course is offered once every two years and is a core course for students in the Astronomy Ph.D. program.
SPRING 2021 COURSES
AST 382C Astrophysical gas Dynamics
Prof. Stella Offner, MW 2-3:30 pm. The dynamics of gases underpins our understanding of a broad range of astrophysical phenomena from stellar structure to galaxy evolution. This course introduces the fundamentals of classical gas dynamics, including the equations of motion, shocks, instabilities and fluid behavior in different limits. We will apply the principles of gas dynamics to investigate self-gravitating, magnetized, and ionized gases. We will cover astrophysical problems relating to shock waves, turbulence, accretion disks, winds and jets. We will read and discuss a variety of seminal papers. AST 392G 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. Brendan Bowler, TTh 11-12:30 pm. Interpreting astronomical observations begins with analyzing data. From optimally extracting a stellar spectrum to constraining cosmological models, data analysis lies at the heart of all aspects of astronomy. The goal of this course is to provide a practical guide to analyzing astronomical data. Topics will include applied probability theory, Bayesian statistics, maximum likelihood methods, model fitting, Markov Chain Monte Carlo sampling, and Gaussian processes. Students will work with a variety of real astronomical datasets to develop experience and skills for research. This is a core (“required”) course that is generally offered once every two years.
AST 392G Observing Techniques in Astronomy
Prof. Adam Kraus/Steve Finkelstein, TTh 12:30-2 pm. 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 currently classified as an elective for the Astronomy Ph.D. program.
