Upper-Division

ASTR111 Order-of-Magnitude Astrophysics

Examines the most basic and direct connection between physics and astrophysics in order to derive a better understanding of astrophysical phenomena from first principles to the extent possible.

Credits

5

Instructor

Enrico Ramirez-Ruiz

Requirements

Prerequisite(s): MATH 22 or MATH 23A; PHYS 5B or PHYS 6B; and PHYS 101A or previous or concurrent enrollment in PHYS 102.

Quarter offered

Fall

ASTR112 Physics of Stars

The leading observational facts about stars as interpreted by current theories of stellar structure and evolution. Spectroscopy, abundances of the elements, nucleosynthesis, stellar atmospheres, stellar populations. Final stages of evolution, including white dwarfs, neutron stars, supernovae.

Credits

5

Instructor

Ryan Foley, Jonathan Fortney

Requirements

Prerequisite(s): MATH 22 or MATH 23A, PHYS 5B or PHYS 6B, and PHYS 101A or PHYS 102.

Quarter offered

Spring

ASTR113 Introduction to Cosmology

Physical examination of our evolving universe: the Big Bang model; simple aspects of general relativity; particle physics in the early universe; production of various background radiations; production of elements; tests of geometry of the universe; dark energy and dark matter; and formation and evolution of galaxies and large-scale structure. (Formerly Physical Cosmology.)

Credits

5

Instructor

Piero Madau

Requirements

Prerequisite(s): MATH 22 or MATH 23A, PHYS 5B or PHYS 6B, and PHYS 101A or PHYS 102.

Quarter offered

Winter

ASTR117 High Energy Astrophysics

Theory and practice of space and ground-based x-ray and gamma-ray astronomical detectors. High-energy emission processes, neutron stars, black holes. Observations of x-ray binaries, pulsars, magnetars, clusters, gamma-ray bursts, the x-ray background. High-energy cosmic rays. Neutrino and gravitational-wave astronomy.

Credits

5

Instructor

Enrico Ramirez-Ruiz

Requirements

Prerequisite(s): MATH 22 or MATH 23A, PHYS 5B or PHYS 6B, and PHYS 101A or PHYS 102.

ASTR118 Physics of Planetary Systems

Determination of the physical properties of the solar system, its individual planets, and extrasolar planetary systems through ground-based and space-based observations, laboratory measurements, and theory. Theories of the origin and evolution of planets and planetary systems.

Credits

5

Instructor

N. Batalha

Requirements

Prerequisite(s): MATH 22 or MATH 23A; and PHYS 5B or PHYS 6B.

ASTR119 Introduction to Scientific Computing

Introduction to solving scientific problems using computers. A series of simple problems from Earth sciences, physics, and astronomy are solved using a user-friendly scientific programming language (Python/SciPy).

Credits

5

Requirements

Prerequisite(s): MATH 11A or MATH 19A or MATH 20A or AM 15A.

Quarter offered

Fall, Spring

ASTR136 Advanced Astronomy Laboratory

Introduces the techniques of modern observational astrophysics at optical wavelengths through hands-on experiments and use of remote observatories. Students develop the skills and experience to pursue original research. Course is time-intensive and research-oriented. (Formerly Physics 136.)

Credits

5

Requirements

Prerequisite(s): EART 119 and PHYS 133. Enrollment is restricted to junior and senior astrophysics majors.

Quarter offered

Spring

ASTR192 Dir Stu Teach

Dir Stu Teach

Credits

5

ASTR199 Tutorial

Credits

5

Repeatable for credit

Yes

Quarter offered

Fall, Winter, Spring