An introduction to such topics in astrophysics as the formation, structure,
evolution, and death of planets, stars, clusters, galaxies, the universe
(Big Bang), and other esoteric objects such as black holes, neutron stars,
and quasars. Significant application of physics and mathematics is assumed.
3.0 Credits
For university courses, the universal, standard expectation is that students
should spend at least 2-3 hours per week outside of class for every credit
hour. For science classes, and for upper division science classes in
particular, the "2" above is generally considered to be insufficient. That
means for this class you should be spending at least nine hours a week
outside of class time reading the text, studying the lecture notes, and
doing the homework assignments. Students who do not devote enough
time to outside of class study should not expect to
perform well on tests and quizzes.
Problem Sets
Weekly problem sets are assigned here.
Problem Sets should be completed by the following week.
Paper and Presentation
Each of you will write a paper and give a presentation on an astrophysics topic of your own choosing,
subject to instructor approval.
The document(s) linked at the end of this sentence contain guidlines for your final paper in
PDF. You do not have to write your paper in latex,
but if you choose to do so here is the
latex file which uses
constants.tex.
The last two weeks of class are presentations based on your final paper.
Each of you will make a 20 minute presenttaion to the class followed by five minutes of questions.
You should target your presentation at your classmates and not your instructor.
Grading
The final grade will be based on:
Two exams (1/5) + (1/5) + [Quizzes,problem sets] (1/5) + Final (1/5)
and a final presentation/paper (1/5)
Any student who achieves a percentile score of above 90%, 80%, 70%, 60% is
guaranteed to receive an A, B, C, or D respectively. These percentile scores
may be adjusted downwards based on a class curve and other considerations.
Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU) complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in making reasonable accommodations for qualified students with disabilities. To request accommodations, students with special needs should make arrangements with the Student Disability Services (SDS) office, located on the main campus in room D104. Contact SDS via (773) 442-4595 or http://www.neiu.edu/university-life/student-disability-services.
