ASP3211

Physics for astrophysics I

Professor John Pilbrow (Department of Physics)

4 points - Two 1-hour lectures per week - First semester - Clayton - Prerequisites: MAT2030, MAT2040, MAT2072, and a minimum of 8 points of second-year physics, which must include the units 'Quantum physics', 'Thermodynamics' and 'Atomic and nuclear physics' - Recommendations: ASP2031 and ASP2042

Objectives This subject is designed for students taking the full twenty-four point astrophysics sequence and who are not taking any other third-year physics subjects. On the completion of this subject students will have an understanding of various areas of physics sufficient for a future professional astrophysicist; in particular they will have a sufficient background in practical quantum mechanics necessary for understanding radiation processes in space plasmas and in interpreting stellar and other astronomical spectra; will understand statistical mechanics to a level required to model many processes in astrophysical plasmas and their interactions with radiation.

Synopsis This subject consists of the third-year physics units 'Applications of quantum mechanics' and 'Statistical mechanics'.

Assessment Examinations: 85% - Assignments: 15%

Recommended texts

Guenault A M Statistical physics Routledge, 1988
Mandl F Quantum mechanics Wiley, 1992

Back to the 1999 Science Handbook