Professor
J. Craig Wheeler
A theoretical astrophysicist specializing in exploding stars and related topics
Office: RLM 17.230
Hours: MWF 11-12, or by appt
Phone: (512) 471-6407
email
Course Website
TA
Bi Qing For
TA
Amy Forestell
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Office Hours
MWF 2-3 PM, or by arrangement; do not hesitate
to talk to me if you have questions. My job is to help.
Grades
There will be four hour-long examinations each counting 20 percent of the grade and a comprehensive
final counting another 20 percent. The exams are tentatively scheduled for 9/21, 10/19, 11/9, and 11/30.
The exams will be multiple choice.
Extra Credit
Sky watch project to identify objects or constellations containing objects like supernovae and black holes that are
relevant to the course (5 points added to term average).
Course Description
This is a specialized course for non-science majors that will presume some knowledge of the basic astronomical concepts
presented in Astronomy 301. There will be a minimum of mathematics, but a familiarity with basic algebra and scientific notation
("powers of ten") will be helpful.
Course Content
Discussion of supernovae, neutron stars and black holes with applications to gamma-ray bursts, worm holes, determining the
origin, state, and fate of the Universe, and hints of extra dimensions.
Text
The book was written by the instructor based on many years of teaching this class. It is titled Cosmic Catastrophes: Exploding Stars,
Black Holes and Mapping the Universe, Second Edition, published by Cambridge University Press.
Help Sessions
Weekly help sessions will be Thursday, 5-6 PM in RLM 15.216B to discuss class material and exams. These sessions and
office hours allow a more nearly one-on-one relationship and are a valuable addition to the lecture. Another room may be scheduled
before exams.
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