Welcome to Astrophysics 403 - Stars and Star Formation (Part I).

GENERAL INFORMATION

Class Meets: Monday and Wednesday, 1:30 - 2:50 p.m. (plus backup days and times), Peyton Hall, Room 140.

Professor: Bruce Draine

                    
                    Office:        Peyton Hall, Room 108
                    Phone:         609-258-3810
                    Office Hours:  MWF 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., or by appointment
                    email:         draine@astro.princeton.edu 

Prerequisites: A general knowledge of Physics, Mathematics, and Astronomy

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Textbooks for Part 1:

Required:

• Physics of the Interstellar and Intergalactic Medium, by B.T. Draine, Princeton 2011.

Other books that may be useful (on reserve):

• Physics and Chemistry of the Interstellar Medium, by Sun Kwok, University Science Books, 2007.
• The Physics and Chemistry of the Interstellar Medium, by A.G.G.M. Tielens, Cambridge, 2005.
• The Physics of the Interstellar Medium, 2nd edition, by J.E. Dyson and D.A. Williams, Inst. of Physics, 1997.
• Star Formation

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Course Description (Part 1): The "interstellar medium" consists of the gas, dust, cosmic rays, magnetic field, and electromagnetic radiation present in the space between the stars. The first half of Astro 403/Physics 402 consists of an introduction to the interstellar medium of star-forming galaxies, such as our own Milky Way galaxy. The physical state of the interstellar medium will be reviewed, and the important physical processes shaping the interstellar medium will be discussed, including those leading to formation of stars out of molecular clouds. Emphasis will be placed on developing physical and intuitive understanding of the important physical processes.

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Syllabus

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Reading and homework assignments (Part 1)

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Homework: Homework will be assigned approximately once every week on a Wednesday and will be due on the following Wednesday. Late homeworks will not be accepted.

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Examinations and Grading: The grade for this course will be based upon performance on the assigned homeworks (40%), a midterm test (30%), and a final exam (30%). The course will be graded on a curve. Class participation will be factored in. The midterm examination will cover the material from Part 1 (weeks 1-6), and the final exam will cover the material from Part 2 (weeks 7-12).

Information on Part 2 (Stars and Stellar Evolution)