Teaching

AST 107 – EXPLORING THE COSMOS II

The sun, stars and stellar evolution, white dwarfs, neutron stars, black holes, binary stars, the Milky Way galaxy, galaxies, quasars and other active galaxies, cosmology, life in the universe. Laboratory included.

AST 371 – INTRO TO ASTROPHYSICS

Gravitation: two-body problem, binary stars. Radiation theory. Spectral classification, Hertzsprung-Russell diagram, and introduction to stellar structure and evolution. Large-scale structure, and the evolution of the universe.

AST 471/ PH 571 – STELLAR ASTROPHYSICS

Structure and physical processes of stars from the interior to the atmosphere: energy production and transfer, atmospheric properties, and observed spectral features. Models for stellar structure. Star formation and evolution, including the effects of a companion.

PH 499 – PHYSICS PRACTICUM

“Capstone” course designed to provide real-world research experience for graduating seniors. Students work individually with faculty members on projects.

PH 251 – SPECIAL RELATIVITY

Einstein’s theory of special relativity. Invariance, geometry of Minkowski spacetime, non-Euclidean geometry, Principle of Relativity, clock synchronization, Lorentz transformations, counter-intuitive effects measured in relative motion, casualty and the speed of light, relativistic dynamics.

PH 789 – SPECIAL TOPICS: GALAXY CLUSTERS