PHYS 344 Astrophysics
This course provides an introduction to the ideas and foundations of astrophysics with a focus on cosmology. We first discuss how to use basic observations in astronomy in order to determine stellar properties through physical laws and how to classify stars on the H-R diagram. Topics covered will include blackbody radiation, Bohr atom, Kirchoff's laws, photometry, radiative flux and the H-R diagram. Cosmology will then be covered using a Newtonian treatment, which will allow the introduction of several important concepts without having to discuss relativity. Using this knowledge, we will move on discuss many aspects of modern cosmology using the full solutions of Einstein's equations. Topics will include: the Friedman equation, geometry of the universe, Hubble's Law, cosmological models, the cosmic microwave background radiation, Big Bang nucleosynthesis, inflation and some advanced topics.