Prerequisites: MATH 211; PHYS 202
This course is considerably more quantitative than the sophomore level course
ASTR 201 (Stars, Galaxies and the Universe). Most students find
ASTR 350 to be
challenging because it draws from several areas of physics and
mathematics. It is, however, an introductory course that assumes no
knowledge of astronomy on the part of the student. As such, ASTR 350 and
360 together are the quantitative and physics-oriented counterparts to a
typical introductory survey class like ASTR 201.
Physics: In addition to the basics of mechanics, optics, waves, and electromagnetism, it will be necessary to use some of the concepts of modern physics in this class. For this reason it is required that students have taken PHYS 202 or equivalent before starting ASTR 350.
Mathematics: We will use multivariable calculus throughout the
course, and will occasionally need to solve a differential equation.
Some equations may need to be solved numerically on the computer.
MATH 211 is suitable preparation for these tasks, and so it serves
as a pre-requisite.
Occasionally, it will be necessary to use more advanced concepts of
mathematics and modern physics than those covered by the
prerequisites; these will be developed when needed.