Graduate Program

ASTR 244W/444 is the astronomy-only version of our Advanced Laboratory (PHYS 243W), in which challenging observing projects and analyses are carried out using the 24-inch Cassegrain telescope, and its research-grade instrument suite, at the Mees Observatory. The semester is front-loaded with ten introductory lessons on instruments, observations, and image processing. Afterwards, most of the effort will go into planning and executing observations, analyzing the data, and writing papers about the results.

Location

(TR 3:25PM - 4:40PM)

A first course on stellar interiors and atmospheres in which approximately 50 percent of a semester is devoted to each. Stellar Interiors topics cover hydrostatic equilibrium, the Virial theorem, energy generation and transport, overview of stellar evolution, PMS Evolution, main sequence evolution, late evolution, evolution in close binary systems, stellar modelling (in part), the approach to real models. Stellar Atmospheres topics cover basic Radiative Transphere, transport Equation, Eddington-Barbier approximation, line and continuum transfer in LTE, radiative transfer in static Plane-Parallel stars. exponential integrals and the Schwarzshild-Milne equations, Lambda, Phi and Chi operators, various Eddington approximations, Atmospheres of Static Plane-Parallel Stars, pressure stratification, temperature stratification, radiative equilibrium, Gray-atmosphere approximation, spectra from static Plane-Parallel stars. line broadening mechanisms, spectral line formation. See A450 & A553 for full-fledged courses.

Location

(TR 2:00PM - 3:15PM)

One half of the required 2 part sequence (can be taken before or after ASTR 461). Focuses on hydrodynamic and plasma processes relevant to astrophysics. Fundamentals of fluid dynamics and magnetohydrodynamics, fluid, MHD, and thermal instabilities, turbulence, supersonic and subsonic flow. Accretion physics, shocks, dynamos, particle accelerations in plasmas, dynamics of magnetic fields. Concepts are developed from first principles and many applications in astrophysics are studies.

Location

(TR 12:30PM - 1:45PM)

A survey of current research in high energy astrophysics. Topics drawn from X-ray and gamma x-ray astrophysics, supernovae and planetary nebulae, binary accretors, astrophysics of compact objects (black holes, neutron stars, white dwarfs, plasma astrophysics, magnetic field-particle interactions, cosmic rays, astrophysical jets, active galactic nuclei. (cross-list PHYS 564).

Location

(TR 2:00PM - 3:15PM)

This course provides PhD students with fewer than 90 credits the opportunity to conduct, develop, and refine their doctoral research projects. Students will engage in research relevant to their field of study and make progress toward completing their dissertations.

Location

( 7:00PM - 7:00PM)

This course provides PhD students with fewer than 90 credits the opportunity to conduct, develop, and refine their doctoral research projects. Students will engage in research relevant to their field of study and make progress toward completing their dissertations.

Location

( 7:00PM - 7:00PM)

This course provides PhD students with fewer than 90 credits the opportunity to conduct, develop, and refine their doctoral research projects. Students will engage in research relevant to their field of study and make progress toward completing their dissertations.

Location

( 7:00PM - 7:00PM)

This course provides PhD students with fewer than 90 credits the opportunity to conduct, develop, and refine their doctoral research projects. Students will engage in research relevant to their field of study and make progress toward completing their dissertations.

Location

( 7:00PM - 7:00PM)

This course provides PhD students with fewer than 90 credits the opportunity to conduct, develop, and refine their doctoral research projects. Students will engage in research relevant to their field of study and make progress toward completing their dissertations.

Location

( 7:00PM - 7:00PM)

This course provides PhD students with fewer than 90 credits the opportunity to conduct, develop, and refine their doctoral research projects. Students will engage in research relevant to their field of study and make progress toward completing their dissertations.

Location

( 7:00PM - 7:00PM)

This course provides PhD students with fewer than 90 credits the opportunity to conduct, develop, and refine their doctoral research projects. Students will engage in research relevant to their field of study and make progress toward completing their dissertations.

Location

( 7:00PM - 7:00PM)

This course provides PhD students who have completed or are currently completing 90 credits of coursework and have fulfilled all degree requirements (except for the dissertation) with the opportunity to work full-time on their dissertation. Students will make significant progress toward completing their degrees.

Location

( 7:00PM - 7:00PM)