Authorised by Academic Registrar, April 1996
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; have a sufficient background in practical quantum mechanics necessary for understanding radiation processes in space plasmas and in interpreting stellar and other astronomical spectra; 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'. The synposes for both are listed under the physics third-year entry in this handbook.
Assessment Examinations: 85% + Assignments: 15%