Astronomy 4101

Astronomy 4101B, Stellar Astrophysics, Winter 2019

Department of Physics and Astronomy, Western University

Course Information Sheet

General Information

Instructor

Professor Shantanu Basu
Rm 258 Physics and Astronomy Building
Tel. 519-661-2111 ext. 86706
Email: basu "at" uwo "dot" ca

Lectures

Tu 10:30 am - 12:20 pm in PAB 150, Th 10:30 am - 11:20 am in PAB 148.

Prerequisites

Physics 2101A/B and 2102A/B; Calculus 2503A/B.

Required Materials

There is a recommended textbook:
Stellar Astrophysics, LeBlanc, F. 2010, Wiley, ISBN 978-0-470-69956-0 (paperback)
The most important requirement is to come to class and be prepared for discussion. Most class material is delivered on the board and is based on my own notes. Attendance at lectures and solving the practice problem sets are an excellent preparation for the midterm and the final exam.
The following textbooks may also be helpful for supplementary reading during certain parts of the course.
An Introduction to Modern Astrophysics, Carroll, B. W., and Ostlie, D. A. 1996, Addison-Wesley
An Introduction to Modern Stellar Astrophysics, Ostlie, D. A, and Carroll, B. W. 1996, 2007, Pearson Addison-Wesley
The Physical Universe, Shu, F. H. 1981, University Science Books

The first two are undergraduate textbooks which contain a significant number of problem sets, while the last one is an introductory undergraduate level book with excellent discussion of ideas.
Website

http://www.physics.uwo.ca/~basu/teach/ast4101/
The website contains this information sheet. Other materials may be disseminated through this website or the course OWL site. The website will not be used for disseminating lecture notes. I will lecture the old-fashioned way, on the whiteboard in class.
Overview
This course covers the astrophysics of stars, and is aimed at undergraduate students in third and fourth year. I will assume a basic understanding of ordinary differential equations. The material that we might cover is vast, ranging from concepts of gravity and modern physics, to stellar interiors and atmospheres, and on to stellar evolution. Indeed a full wish list of topics cannot be covered in one term. My philosophy will be to provide a grounding in some of the basic physics of stars and star formation, encourage you to learn how to make quick estimates and appreciate the big picture. You will be expected to write short computer programs and present graphical results for the two computational projects.
Course Outline
I have made up a list of topics that I would like to cover this term. It is a living list, which may be edited as the term progresses. I believe that the main point of this course is to understand well at least some aspects of this vast subject, and develop skills that will serve you well throughout your future career. You may also check the list of learning outcomes for this course.
Class participation
I encourage you to ask questions and participate in class discussions. If you have a question, chances are that others do too and will benefit from hearing the answer to your question. Also, there is nothing more discouraging to an instructor than a non-responsive audience.
Marking
- (40%) Two computational projects for 20% each, including some programming and graphical presentation of results.
- (25%) Midterm exam. The midterm will test quantitative solution skills as well as qualitative understanding.
- (35%) Final examination, 3 hours long, given during the university scheduled exam period in April. The final exam will also test quantitative solution skills and qualitative understanding.
  A standard first-year calculator is required for the midterm and final exam. No other electronic devices are allowed. I will be handing out practice assignments that contain quantitative problems similar to the quantitative problems in the exams.
Schedule
The midterm exam is scheduled for Feb 5. The computational projects will be due in early March and early April, respectively. The final exam will be in April during the university scheduled exam date.
Contact Information
I am unlikely to be helpful if you visit me at random times. Email is a good way to set up a meeting or to make short queries about the class. I cannot reply to an email asking for a lengthy response. Questions requiring lengthy answers are best asked in person.
Important Messages
- Unless you have either the requisites for this course or written special permission from your Dean to enroll in it, you may be removed from this course and it will be deleted from your record. This decision may not be appealed. You will receive no adjustment to your fees in the event that you are dropped from a course for failing to have the necessary prerequisites.
- If you are unable to meet a course requirement due to illness or other serious circumstances, you must provide valid medical or other supporting documentation to the Dean's office as soon as possible and contact your instructor immediately. It is the student's responsibility to make alternative arrangements with their instructor once the accommodation has been approved and the instructor has been informed. In the event of a missed final exam, a "Recommendation of Special Examination" form must be obtained from the Dean's office immediately. You may also take a look at the following document:
  http://www.uwo.ca/univsec/pdf/academic_policies/appeals/accommodation_medical.pdf.
  A student requiring academic accommodation due to illness should use the Student Medical Certificate when visiting an off-campus facility or request a Records Release Form (located in the Dean's Office) for visits to Student Health Services. The Student Medical Certificate can be found at
  http://www.uwo.ca/univsec/pdf/academic_policies/appeals/medicalform.pdf.
- A student who is in emotional/mental distress should refer to MentalHealth@Western through http://www.uwo.ca/health/ for a complete list of options about how to obtain help.
- In accordance with Senate policy, a Special Examination will be held within thirty days of the regular final examination for students who are unable to write the regular examination for medical or other documented reasons. Requests for such a Special Examination must be made to the Associate Dean (Academic), Faculty of Science.
- Scholastic offences are taken seriously and students are directed to read the appropriate policy, specifically, the definition of what constitutes a scholastic offence, at the following web site: http://www.uwo.ca/univsec/pdf/academic_policies/appeals/scholastic_discipline_undergrad.pdf.
- Accommodations may be possible for religious holidays. University policy on religious accommodations and a calendar of dates is available at http://www.uwo.ca/univsec/pdf/academic_policies/appeals/accommodation_religious.pdf.
- Please contact your instructor if you require any arrangements to increase accessibility to this course. You may also wish to contact Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) at 519-661-2147, or ssd "at" uwo "dot" ca, for any specific question regarding an accommodation.
- Course marks may, in some cases, be adjusted in order to conform to the meaning of course marks described in the Western Academic Calendar, and in order to conform to Department policy.

Astronomy 4101B, Stellar Astrophysics, Winter 2019

Course Information Sheet

General Information

Overview

Course Outline

Class participation

Marking

Schedule

Contact Information

Important Messages