Astronomy Prerequisite: ASTR 350 or ASTR 360
Physics Prerequisite: PHYS 301 and PHYS 302
This course is considerably more technical than the junior level course
ASTR 360 (Introduction to Astrophysics II),
though there is considerable overlap concerning the subject areas of
the two courses. Since ASTR 452 is a core course for
graduate students in astrophysics, central elements of cosmology and
extragalactic astrophysics are covered, as they are in
ASTR 360. Most students find
ASTR 452 to be
challenging because it draws from several areas of physics and
mathematics, and offers a physics-oriented pedagogy. Therefore
familiarity with astrophysics is optimal, and training in basic
electrodynamics, quantum mechanics and relativity is essential.
Graduate students are expected to have taken courses equivalent to
the stated Rice prerequisites at their previous undergraduate institutions.
Physics: The course will employ the basics of mechanics, optics, waves, electromagnetism, quantum mechanics and special relativity. These are covered in PHYS 301 and PHYS 302. Without both these courses (or equivalent) as background training, students will have a hard time enjoying the challenges and excitement of this astrophysics plat du jour. In addition, the cosmological component and studies of supermassive black holes require an introduction to the basics of general relativity (GR). It is not necessary to have taken a dedicated specialist course in GR prior to ASTR 452, as all needed tools will be developed.
Mathematics: We will use multivariable calculus throughout the course, and will need to solve differential equations and evaluate integrals. Some equations may need to be solved numerically on the computer; knowledge of MatLab or Mathematica is beneficial, but not essential.