Course Structure

Download & Print [pdf]

Course Structure

Subject Matter: We may broaden the scope of the syllabus slightly to consider more general radiative processes in astrophysics if time permits.

Office hours: 2pm Tu or by appointment. RLM 16.236 (office) or RLM 16.234 (lab).

Email and Telephone: I prefer questions by e-mail. You can e-mail me at dew@astro.as.utexas.edu. If you need to phone: (512) 471-3404 (office), (512) 826-6730 (cell).

Grading: Your grade will be based on three elements with the weights shown:

1. Problem sets and quizzes: 25%
2. Class notes, class participation & daily reviews: 25%
3. Class project: 50%

Comments: I expect that you will help each other with the problem sets, but only to the extent of locating references and discussing general approaches to each problem. Your solutions must be uniquely yours. The notes must consist of much more than just a copy of the equations written on the board or in the book. Your notes will form the core of your understanding of stellar atmospheres and radiative processes for the rest of your career. I will also attempt to share with you my ideas on how to think about scientific problems, choose research topics wisely, and develop a successful career in science. I expect active participation in class. Your grade in element 2, above, will reflect this.

Deadlines: There are no excuses for late assignments. There is no such thing as a late assignment in this class. There are no make-up exams. All quizzes are in-class. The projects will be presented in-class during the final week of class. Because of the comprehensive nature of the projects, as well as the amount of work involved, there will be no final exam given during the scheduled final exam period. Your work in this class is finished, by definition, on the last class day; there are no incompletes.