Cluster JKCS041 (Chandra)
Astronomy 358 - Spring 2010
GALAXIES AND THE UNIVERSE
TTh 2:00-3:30 · RLM 15.316B · Unique No. 49065
Professor
RLM 15.224 · (512) 471-1402 · email
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Course Description
This course presents modern observations and theories of the structure and evolution of the universe. Topics include the evidence for the Big Bang, the formation of galaxies, and the nature of quasars. We trace the evolution of the universe from the first moment through the creation of the primeval fireball radiation and the birth and evolution of galaxies. We study the Milky Way and other galaxies, quasars, giant black holes, the expanding universe, dark matter, and dark energy. There will be an emphasis on the use of physical laws in a quantitative way to interpret observations and construct theoretical models of galaxies and the universe.
This course is intended for astronomy majors and other science and engineering majors with a strong background in undergraduate math and physics, including mechanics, electricity and magnetism, differential and integral calculus, and vector calculus.
Prerequisite. Physics 316 and 116L (Electricity and Magnetism) or equivalent.
Instructor. Professor Gregory Shields. Office: RLM 15.224. Phone: 471-1402. E-mail: shieldsga@mail.utexas.edu. Office Hours (subject to change): to be announced Web page: https://www.as.utexas.edu/~shields/shields.html
Teaching Assistant. To be announced
Grading. Course grade will be based on three exams in class, project, and homework. Exams will be closed book involving numerical problems and essay questions. Exams will cover lectures, assigned reading, and homework. Exam weights and (tentative) dates are:
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First Exam |
15% |
To be announced |
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Second Exam |
20% |
To be announced |
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Third Exam |
20% |
Tu 5/4 |
Homework will count 30%. Term paper and presentation will count 15%.
Textbook. Peter Schneider, "Extragalactic Astronomy and Cosmology", Springer Verlag (2006), ISBN -13 978-3-540-33174-2 (required).
Help session. To be announced.
Astronomy Department Policies. See "Memo to Undergraduate Astronomy Students Regarding Astronomy Courses" (http://outreach.as.utexas.edu/students/memo.html).
Star Parties. The Department has observing sessions Wednesday evenings on the roof of RLM and Friday and Saturday at Painter Hall (http://outreach.as.utexas.edu/public). You can use the 9-inch yourself if you are checked out on it. McDonald Observatory in west Texas also has public programs (http://mcdonaldobservatory.org/visitors/programs/; phone 471-5285).
