Courses

Astronomy 500 Astronomy 510 Astronomy 700

Astronomy 710 Astronomy 715 Astronomy 720

Astronomy 730 Astronomy 735 Astronomy 910

Astronomy 920 Astronomy 990 Astronomy 999

PhD Representative Program

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AST 500 : TECHNIQUES OF MODERN OBSERVATIONAL ASTROPHYSICS

An introduction to Astrophysics data collection. Students will be familiarized with the concepts, techniques, skills and resources needed to plan, obtain, reduce and interpret observations of astronomical objects obtained in space and on the ground.

AST 510 : ASTRONOMICAL OBSERVATION

An opportunity for students to gain extensive experience in the use of a modern astronomical telescope and data collection system. Students will plan and execute an observing program using Wisconsin telescopes, including small instruments on Sterling Hall, the Pine Bluff Observatory, or the WIYN telescope.

AST 700 : BASIC ASTROPHYSICS

Astronomical terminology and basic observations. Thermodynamics, atomic and molecular spectra, ionization and excitation, line and continuum opacities. Synchrotron radiation, Compton scattering, X-ray spectra. Radiative transfer, simple model atmospheres, radiative and convective energy transport. Basic hydrodynamics, shocks and ionization fronts; introduction to magnetohydrodynamics.

AST 710 : STELLAR ATMOSPHERES

Continuum formation, line blanketing, LTE and non-LTE model atmospheres, extended atmospheres. Line formation, curve of growth, non-LTE line transfer. Radiative transfer in moving atmospheres; observations and theories of stellar winds in hot and cool stars.

AST 715 : STELLAR INTERIORS AND EVOLUTION

Physical principles, equilibrium of gaseous spheres, energy transport, energy generation, nucleosynthesis, main sequence red giant and electron degenerate stars. Advanced topics such as origins of stellar variability, binary star evolution, star formation, supernovae explosions, evolution with mass loss.

AST 720 : THE INTERSTELLAR MEDIUM: BASIC PROCESSES

Physical processes in gases at low density, establishment of kinetic equilibrium, radiative processes, excitation, ionization, and dissociation of atoms and molecules under interstellar conditions, establishment of equilibrium temperatures in interstellar clouds. Properties of HII regions, interstellar clouds, and interstellar dust.

AST 730 : GALAXIES

Stellar content and dynamics of the Milky Way and other galaxies; galaxy types, evolution of normal galaxies, radio galaxies, active nuclei, quasars.

AST 735 : OBSERVATIONAL COSMOLOGY

Extragalactic distance scale; groups and clusters of galaxies; distribution of galaxies and radio sources. Introduction to general relativity, cosmological models, microwave background, early universe, galaxy formation.

AST 910 : SEMINAR IN ASTROPHYSICS

Discussions of rapidly developing topics in astronomy and Space Physics.

AST 920 : SEMINAR IN ASTROPHYSICAL TOPICS. I OR II

In-depth studies of research topics currently of interest to researchers in the Department.

AST 990 : RESEARCH AND THESIS

(Up to 3 credits each semester)

AST 999 : ADVANCED INDEPENDENT READING

COURSES AT THE 500 AND 700 LEVEL ARE NORMALLY OFFERED IN ALTERNATE YEARS.

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PhD Representative Program

 

FIRST YEAR Fall Semester Spring Semester AST 700 : Basic Astrophysics; 3cr AST 730 : Galaxies; 2 cr AST 910 : Seminar; 1 cr AST 710 : Stellar Atmospheres; 2 cr AST 720 : The Interstellar Medium; 3 cr AST 910 : Seminar; 1 cr One additional course: example list below New incoming domestic students are generally assigned TA positions during their first three semesters. One or two additional courses: example list below Up to 3 credits in AST 990

SECOND YEAR Fall Semester Spring Semester AST 735 : Observational Cosmology; 2 cr AST 910 : Seminar; 1 cr AST 500 : Observational Techniques; 3 cr AST 715 : Stellar Interiors; 2 cr AST 910 : Seminar; 1 cr Two additional courses: example list below Up to 3 credits in AST 990 One or two additional courses: example list below Up to 3 credits in AST 990

SUBSEQENT YEARS Fall Semester Spring Semester AST 910 : Seminar; 1 cr AST 990 : Research AST 910 : Seminar; 1 cr AST 990 : Research

SUITABLE COURSES AST 920 : Topics in Astrophysics PHYS 525 : Introduction to Plasmas PHYS 531 or 731 : Quantum Mechanics PHYS 545 : Intro to Atomic Structure PHYS 623 : Electronic Aids to Measurement PHYS 625 : Applied Optics PHYS 711 : Advanced Dynamics PHYS 721 : Electrodynamics PHYS 771, 772 : Physics of Space PHYS 801 : Special Topics (some on Astrophysics) CS 412 : Introduction to Numerical Methods MATH 701,702 : Mathematical Methods in Physics and Engineering