M51 galaxy
M51 whirlpool galaxy (courtesy SDSS)
PHYSICS 255
Introduction to Astrophysics

Spring Semester 2007
(syllabus)
history of the universe
Instructor

Mark Kruse
email: mkruse"at"phy.duke.edu
Office: Physics 283, 660-2564
Office hours: by appointment

Lectures

Room: Physics 278 (HEP conference room) (TBC)
Times: Mon 9:00am - 10:15am, Tue 2:50pm - 4:05pm

Audience and Prerequisites

The course is a graduate level elective, but is also suitable for advanced undergraduates.
Recommended pre/co-requisites include advanced undergraduate courses in all the core areas (Quantum mechanics, Statistical and Thermal Physics, Classical Mechanics, Electromagnetism: PHY176, PHY181, PHY182, PHY212 or the equivalent).

Course Description

A brief course outline is as follows:

  • General Relativity (including the required tensor analysis)
  • Applications of GR
  • Cosmology - the Friedman models
  • The evolution of the early universe
  • Selection of other topics including: Stellar and galactic evolution, problems with the Standard Cosmology and other possible models, Supernovae, black holes, Cosmic Rays,....

    See the linked syllabus above for more details
    Textbooks and References

    Text:

  • An Introduction to Cosmology, J. V. Narlikar, 3rd edition.

    References:
  • The Early Universe, Kolb and Turner (1990)
  • Modern Astrophysics, Carroll and Ostlie (1996)
  • A First Course in General Relativity, B. Schutz
  • Gravitation and Cosmology, S. Weinberg
    Grade calculation

    Homework assignments: 40%
    Midterm project/presentation: 30%
    Final exam (take-home): 30%

    Lecture notes

    These are the lecture handouts given in class, and in no way are intended as a substitute for the lecture notes, rather as a summary of selected concepts and topics covered.

  • handout #0
  • handout #1
  • handout #2
  • handout #3
  • handout #4
    Homeworks

    There will be approximately 8 problem sets handed out during the semester. They will be made available from this webpage.

  • Assignment #1
  • Assignment #2
  • Assignment #3
  • Assignment #4
  • Assignment #5
  • Assignment #6
  • Assignment #7
    Projects/Presentations

    The midterm "exam" will consist of independent research into one of the questions posed in the first lecture (or any other topic upon my approval). You will be required to write a 7 - 10 page paper on the topic and make a short (15 minutes) presentation in class. The paper should: include a clear introduction to the topic; demonstrate your understanding of the physics involved; include a section on conclusions and/or future prospects; and include a comprehensive list of references used.
    The paper will be due at the first lecture after spring break (Monday, March 19), and the presentations will be made during lecture on Tuesday, March 20. Please send me a PDF file of your talk before 12:00 March 20.

    Presentation Schedule for Tuesday, March 20, 2007
    2:50 - 3:05pm Seth Henshaw
    		Galaxy Formation
    3:05 - 3:20pm Billy Meyers
    		Dark Energy
    3:20 - 3:35pm Adam Sokolow
    		The Relativistic 2 Body Problem
    3:35 - 3:50pm Yu Zeng
    		The Dark Matter Mystery

    Mark Kruse, prepared for Spring 2007.