Prerequisites: As listed in the course catalog, the prerequisites for this course are Physics 301 (Mechanics) and Physics 316 (E & M), as well as the math courses required by these physics courses. Please see me right away if you have not met these prerequisites. AST 307 is not a prerequisite. If you have not taken 307 and encounter unfamiliar material, please let me know and we will go over it.

Textbook: Modern Stellar Astrophysics by D. Ostlie and B.W. Carroll. We will be covering the material in chapters 1-3, 5-13, leaving out some material and supplementing the book with handouts as needed. A topic list will be provided on the web version of the syllabus (you're reading it). The topic list will be updated periodically, so check the web syllabus before doing assigned reading. If you have a 307 textbook, please keep it. It is always helpful to have a less advanced book as an introduction to a topic. Also, if you are planning to take Astrophysics in the Spring, you may want to hold onto Ostlie and Carroll.

Grading:

Exams:
The exams will involve problem-solving using techniques learned in class or on the homework. You will be provided with a list of equations and constants.Basic calculators will be permitted.

Homework:
You can learn how to do your homework together, but the homework you turn in must be your own work. Work together but solve apart. Duplicate homework will receive no credit. We will not give credit for either copy, so be sure not to share your work after writing it down. Help will be available from both the prof. and the TA. Please make use of it. No help will be given on the day an assignment is due.

Late/Absent Policies:
Homework will be due on Fridays at 10, i.e. before class begins. Late homework will receive reduced credit. After 5 PM on the Friday due-date, the maximum credit available will be 50%. It is the responsibility of the student to deliver late homework into the hands of the prof. or the TA and to receive and keep a time-stamped and signed receipt. Students who are ill on the due date must notify the prof. or TA before class. There will be no make-up exams for excused absences. Students should see the prof. to arrange a revised grade-weighting scheme. Grade replacement is only available for exams taken or homework handed in. Unexcused absences and failure to hand in work results in no credit.

Project Presentations: Students will work in small groups to study a topic in depth. The deliverable will be a clear, informative, and interesting 15-minute illustrated presentation to the class. Each group will need to turn in its notes and a set of references for the presentation. A list of topics and a rubric will be handed out ~5 weeks before the first presentation.

Presentation Notes: Each student will need to hand in notes about each presentation by another group. These notes will list three main points from the talk. The notes will be due at the end of each class where presentations are made.

Class Participation: Attendance at class is required. The participation grade will be based largely on attendance. You will also be expected to participate in discussions and in any in-class activities. Occasionally, attendance at outside events will offer an opportunity to gain "insurance credit" that can make up for up to 3-4 points (over the course of the semester) missing from some other element of your grade.

Hour Exam Schedule:
Exam 1: September 28
Exam 2: October 24
Exam 3: November 18
Optional Exam 4: December 9