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Syllabus
Course Objectives
We will cover the exciting phenomena happening
at the end of a star's life: supernova explosions and gamma-ray
bursts, the formation and properties of compact remnants (white dwarfs,
neutron stars, and black holes). This will lead us to topics at the
current frontier of astronomy, e.g., the still mysterious nature
of the very first stars that formed at the end of the Cosmic Dark
Ages. You will learn to look at the physics describing these
cutting-edge phenomena, and make things as simple as possible, but
still capture the important effects.
Texts
All texts will be placed on reserve in the PMA (RLM 4th floor)
and Astronomy Péridier (RLM 15.202) libraries.
The required text is (available at the Co-op):
- A.C. Phillips (ACP), The Physics of Stars (2nd edition), Wiley
There is one highly recommended text (also available at the Co-op):
- James B. Hartle (JBH), Gravity, Addison Wesley
(this book is somewhat more advanced than our course, but it is
extremely good, and you may find it useful to consult for additional
material)
In addition, there is one optional text (you best get it from Amazon):
- Kip S. Thorne (KST), Black Holes and Time Warps, W.W. Norton
(this book is for your entertainment; you can do very well in the
course without ever looking at it, but it is extremely good in
giving the historical and cultural background for the course material)
Grading
The students final grade will be based on a point system:
Class Participation
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20
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2 In-class Exams
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2x20
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Homework
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40
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We won't have a Final Exam.
The following grading scheme will be used:
A
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85 - 100
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B
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70 - 84
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C
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60 - 69
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D
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50 - 59
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Any score below 50 is failing.
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Class Participation
20% of your grade will be based on your
class participation. You will be asked to prepare a few, brief
presentations or write-ups on select topics, given to you ahead of
time. The preparation will be done in small groups, and the TA
will be available to help you with this if needed.
Class Attendance
It is important that you come to class. If you
miss more than 2 classes without a valid excuse, you will lose
2 points for every class missed.
Policies
There will be make-up exams ONLY for students with valid
excuses. Scholastic dishonesty, in particular any plagiarism,
will be prosecuted in accordance with the university guidelines.
Course Calendar
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