ASP3211

Physics for astrophysics I

Associate Professor Peter Wells (Department of Physics)

4 points
* Two 1-hour lectures per week
* First semester
* Clayton
* Prerequisites: MAT2030, MAT2040, MAA2032 or 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: PHS2251 or ASP2031, PHS2262 or 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'. The synopses for both are listed under the physics third-year entry in this handbook.

Assessment Examinations: 85%
* Assignments: 15%

Recommended texts

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