Modern astronomy utilises the entire electromagnetic spectrum, with observatories under construction capable of detecting neutrinos and gravitational waves. This course provides an overview of modern astronomical techniques, and introduces the student to the study of astrophysics. It builds on the astronomy component of first year physics to explore more complex astrophysical phenomena, including stellar birth, stellar death and compact objects such as neutron stars and black holes.

Course Outline

This 13 lecture course is intended to be an introduction to modern astronomy and astrophysics. This course begins with a brief review of the fundamental physics necessary to study astronomy. From this foundation, classical astronomy, distance scales, magnitude, luminosity and modern astronomical techniques are studied. Astrophysics is introduced through the study of stellar birth and death followed by an introduction to cosmology. The theoretical work in the course is supplemented with computational labs, a field trip to an observatory and with observing sessions on campus using the Physics rooftop observatory.

Part of the assessment will consist of a project in which students independantly research an astronomy related topic.

Textbook: Introductory Astronomy and Astrophysics, 4th edition, Zeilik and Gregory.

Lab 1

Lab 2 Lab 2 Table 4 (txt) Lab 2 Table 4 (xls)

Lab 3

Lecture Outline

lecture 1 lecture 5 lecture 9 lecture 13

lecture 2 lecture 6 lecture 10

lecture 3 lecture 7 lecture 11

lecture 4 lecture 8 lecture 12