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Syllabus Overview The interstellar medium plays an important role in the evolution and appearance of the Galaxy. It is the source of material for star formation and a sink for mass lost during stellar evolution. It also processes much of the radiative and mechanical energy emitted by stars and supernovae. In this course, we will describe the important features of the ISM, discuss the relevant physics, and try to understand how interstellar matter behaves. Course Setup The course will be a mixture of group discussion and lecture. Reading assignments will be given 1-2 weeks in advance. You will be expected to have completed the assigned reading before class. I will assign 2-3 "expert readers" to each topic. The experts will be expected to have read especially thoroughly. Discussion will be interspersed with brief lectures amplifying the reading material. NOTE BENE: In a break with tradition, class will start promptly on the hour. Be there or I will notice. Deliverables Problem Sets: There will be short problem sets approximately every other week. (25% of final grade) Hour Exams: There will be hour exams on February 26 and April 13. (Each 12.5% of final grade) Final Exam: There will be an oral final exam for each student. Exams will take place on either Thursday 5/3 or Friday 5/4 at a mutually convenient time. Second year students have the option of taking the exam before their 2nd year defense so as to benefit from the practice. If you are a second-year student and take your exam before the week of 4/30, I will offer you the option of a retake, if the performance on the retake offers the possibility of a better grade. Exams will last 30 minutes. You need to arrange for a neutral senior party to be present at the exam. This can be your adviser or another prof. or research scientist. (25% of final grade) Literature Project: You will consult with me and choose a major, not too recent paper in the field of Interstellar medium. Based on a reading of papers cited by this paper and of papers citing this paper, you will summarize the state of the field before the paper was written, explain the work done by the authors and its impact on the field, and describe how this work has been put to use by others in the field. This project will need to be completed by Friday 4/27. (15% of final grade) Participation: I am counting on you to keep up with the reading and to take an active part in the discussion. In particular when you are taking a turn as an "expert reader", you need to be prepared (10% of final grade). Text The Physics and Chemistry of the Interstellar Medium, by A.G.G.M. Tielens, 2005, Cambridge UP. Xander's book is written from the theorist's perspective. We will supplement it from time to time with more observationally-oriented material. Schedule |
22 January 2007
Astronomy Program · The University of Texas at Austin · Austin, Texas 78712
prospective student inquiries: studentinfo@astro.as.utexas.edu
site comments: www@www.as.utexas.edu
Astronomy Program · The University of Texas at Austin · Austin, Texas 78712
prospective student inquiries: studentinfo@astro.as.utexas.edu
site comments: www@www.as.utexas.edu