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Courses Offered 2023-2024
Fall Term
Astronomy 9201: Solar System I
Description:
Pre- reqs : Astronomy 9610 (co-requiste); Astonomy 9505 recommended;
Course Time: (TBA)
Weight: 0.25
Instructor: M. Campbell-Brown
Astronomy 9610A: Introduction to Modern Astrophysics
Description: This course is an intensive introduction to modern astrophysics. It is expected that all entering Astronomy MSc students will take A9610 in their first term of study (if offered).
Topics: time and coordinate systems; orbits; spectra and radiative processes; the Sun, stars, and stellar evolution; the interstellar medium; the Milky Way and external galaxies; the high-Z universe and cosmology.
This course is a pre-requisite for all other astronomy graduate courses (except where noted).
Course Time: (TBA)
Weight: 0.5
Instructor: A. Sigut/S. Gallagher
Physics 9403: Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics
Description: This course introduces the central concepts and tools of statistical physics
Topics: Thermodynamics, Probability Distributions, Classical Statistical Mechanics (postulates; microcanonical, canonical and grand canononical ensembles; non-interacting examples), Interacting Systems (virial and cluster expansions; van der Waals theory; liquid-vapour condensation)
Course Time: (TBA)
Weight: 0.25
Instructor: G. Erdemci-Tandogan
Physics 9610: Fundamentals of Physics
Description: Physics is built on several core pillars. A professional physicist must have knowledge of these fundamental theories beyond the undergraduate level. The course provides an in-depth survey of Classical Mechanics, Quantum Mechanics, Statistical Mechanics, and Electrodynamics. These core areas are the foundational material necessary to be prepared for the Department's Ph.D. comprehensive examination.
Course Times: (TBA)
Weight: 0.5
Instructors: C. Denniston, G. Fanchini, M. Houde, A. Soddu, O. Trichtchenko
Physics 9726: Atmospheric Science
Description: Physical processes in the atmosphere will be investigated focussing on the fundamental processes of radiative transfer, conduction, and convection. Examples to be discussed include simple models of the atmospheric thermal structure, ozone and its relations to dynamics, and atmospheric dynamics.
Course Times: (TBA)
Weight: 0.5
Instructors: R. Sica
Physics 9808: Fluids
Description: An introduction to fluid dynamics including the derivation of the governing Navier-Stokes equations as well as assumptions leading to simplified models, with some numerical computation
Course Time: (TBA)
Weight: 0.25
Instructor: O. Trichtchenko
Physics & Astronomy Graduate Seminar
Description: The Physics and Astrono my Graduate Seminar is a requirement for all 1st and 2nd year MSc and Ph.D. students in Physics and Astronomy only. Third and fourth year PhD students are encouraged to attend workshops and participate in the seminar, and will be invited to take up mentorship roles during differen t seminar activities. This is a milestone rather than a course.
Weight: Milestone
Instructor: A. Soddu
Course time: (TBA)
Winter Term
Astronomy 9110: Astrophysical Disks
Description: An introduction to the hydrodynamical and radiative physics used to model gaseous disks in astrophysics. Topics include: compressible hydrodynamics; radiative transfer. Applications include accretion disks in star formation, and the accretion disks of AGNs. The course is at the level of Frank, King, and Raine's classic text "Accretion Power in Astrophysics."
Pre- reqs : none
Course Time: (TBA)
Weight: 0.25
Instructor: A. Sigut
Astronomy 9202: Solar System II
Description: This course explores the smaller members of our Solar System, asteroids, comets, and the meteorites they produce, along with the formation of planetary systems, and the properties of planets around other stars.
Pre- reqs : Astronomy 9201
Course Time: (TBA)
Weight: 0.25
Instructors: P. Brown
Astronomy 9303: Star Formation
Description: An introduction to the physics of star formation. Topics: The virial theorem; self-gravitating equilibria; gravitational collapse; blast waves, winds and super-bubbles; H ii regions and ionization fronts; numerical techniques
Course Times: (TBA)
Weight: 0.25
Instructor: S. Basu
Astronomy 9606: Radiative Processes
Decription: The fundamentals of radiative processes, including a review of the basics of radiation from moving charges, bremsstrahlung, synchrotron radiation, Compton scattering and radiative transitions. The emphasis will be on understanding the physics underlying these processes, while considering applications in astrophysics.
Course Time: (TBA)
Anti-Req: Astronomy 9105
Weight: 0.25
Instructor: M. Houde
Physics 92XX: Quantum Mechanics or Physics 93XX: Classical Electrodynamics
Description: Quantum - Formal structure of quantum mechanics. Symmetries, angular momentum theory. Time-dependent perturbation theory. Quantization of the electromagnetic field. Classical Electrodynamics - Topics include Maxwell's equations, wave propagation, radiating systems (multipole expansion, Lienard-Wiechart potentials), covariant formulation of electromagnetism.
Course Times: (TBA)
Weight: 0.25
Instructor: M. Houde
Physics 9610: Fundamentals of Physics
Description: Physics is built on several core pillars. A professional physicist must have knowledge of these fundamental theories beyond the undergraduate level. The course provides an in-depth survey of Classical Mechanics, Quantum Mechanics, Statistical Mechanics, and Electrodynamics. These core areas are the foundational material necessary to be prepared for the Department's Ph.D. comprehensive examination.
Course Times: (TBA)
Weight: 0.5
Instructors: C. Denniston, G. Fanchini, M. Houde, A. Soddu, O. Trichtchenko
Physics 9405: Kinetic Theory
Description: Overview of the contemporary kinetic theory of matter looking at important applications in physics and astronomy. In particular we will look at Boltzmann’s equation both theoretically and numerically.
Course Time: (TBA)
Weight: 0.25
Instructor: C. Denniston
Physics 9655: Radiological Physics
Description: An introduction to the instrumentation apparatus, methods and techniques of radiation therapy.
Course Time: (TBA)
Weight: 0.5
Instructor: E. Wong
Physics 9811: Condensed Matter Physics I
Topics: Crystal structure; crystal binding; phonons and lattice vibrations. Electrons in solids. Energy bands; semiconductors; superconductivity. Magnetic properties.
Course Time: (TBA)
Weight: 0.25
Instructor: M. Singh
Physics & Astronomy Graduate Seminar
Description: The Physics and Astronomy Graduate Seminar is a requirement for all 1st and 2nd year MSc and Ph.D. students in Physics and Astronomy only. Third and fourth year PhD students are encouraged to attend workshops and participate in the seminar, and will be invited to take up mentorship roles during differen t seminar activities. This is a milestone rather than a course.
Weight: Milestone
Instructor:
Course time: (TBA)
Scientific Computing 9506: Parallel Programming with GPUs
Topics:
Course Time: (TBA)
Weight: 0.25
Instructor: C. Denniston
Course Inventories
Quick Navigation
Physics
9001: Comprehensive Examination
Description: A required examination for PhD candidates which allows them to demonstrate that they have mastered an adequate level of general knowledge in fundamental physics and are adequately prepared to pursue their PhD research work in their chosen sub-field. It consists of two components: a written exam to test problem solving ability, and the development of a research proposal both as a written document and an oral presentation followed by an oral examination. The entire exam must be passed in order to continue in the PhD program. The written part is normally taken at the beginning of the third term of PhD registration. This exam tests the student's knowledge of physics in the areas of classical mechanics, electricity & magnetism, quantum mechanics, and thermodynamics & statistical mechanics. If necessary, a second attempt is allowed at the end of the third term of study. The written research proposal is due at a specified time after passing the written comprehensive examination. Non-credit requirement.
9005: Mathematical Methods of Physics
Description: A course designed to give the student a working knowledge of the methods most commonly used in solving physical problems.
Hours: 3 lecture hours
Weight: 0.5
9012: Fundamentals of Computation
Description: This course will provide students with the computing background necessary for successful research in (Astro)physics. Several high-level languages will be used. The course will cover the use of libraries, debugging and verification, modularization, documentation and testing, and will also introduce advanced topics including optimization and precision. Emphasis will be placed on `best practices' for scientific computing.
9029: Data and Error Analysis
Description: The goal of this course is to establish a high level of mastery in basic data and error analysis. The goal of this course is not to provide students an introduction to a wide range of advanced techniques in data and error analysis. Students completing this course will possess the required tools to publish, present, and correctly defend their results.
Hours: 3 lecture hours
Weight: 0.5
9031. Current Topics.
Description: Topic varies.
Hours: 2 lecture hours
Weight: 0.5
9059: Physics Graduate Seminar
Description: Oral presentation of recent developments in the student's area of research. Non-credit requirement.
Hours: 2 lecture hours
Weight: 0.5
9203: Quantum Mechanics
Description: Formal structure of quantum mechanics. Symmetries, angular momentum theory. Time-dependent perturbation theory. Quantization of the electromagnetic field.
Hours: 3 lecture hours
Weight: 0.5
9302: Classical Electrodynamics
Description: Topics include Maxwell's equations, wave propagation, radiating systems (multipole expansion, Lienard-Wiechart potentials), covariant formulation of electromagnetism. The material covered allows for the discussion and analysis of important examples directly related to important physical phenomena such as Faraday rotation, plasma physics, magnetohydrodynamics, and synchrotron and bremsstrahlung radiation.
Hours: 3 lecture hours
Weight: 0.5
9315: Plasma Physics
Description: Basic plasma concepts and introductory topics in the theory of highly ionized gases, including cross-sections, transport, waves, and thermonuclear fusion.
Hours: 3 lecture hours
Weight: 0.5
9332: Advanced Topics
Description: Topic varies
Hours: 2 lecture hours
Weight: 0.5
9365: General Relativity I
Weight: 0.5
9366: General Relativity II
Weight: 0.5
9404: Statistical Physics
Description: Fundamentals of statistical mechanics, theory of ensembles; quantum statistics; imperfect gases, special topics.
Hours: 3 lecture hours
Weight: 0.5
9515: The Study of Nanomaterials and Nanostructures
Description: This course is intended for an interdisciplinary audience. We cover the electronic, optical, magnetic, and superconducting properties of nanomaterials and nanostructures. Examples of nanomaterials are semiconductor nanostructures (quantum dots, quantum wires), carbon-based nanomaterials (graphene, carbon nanotubes), nanocrystals, nanofibers, nano-waveguides, metamaterials, photonic crystals, biomedical nanomaterials, etc. We discuss the underlying principles and applications of the emerging field of nanomaterials and nanostructures. Scientific principles, theory, and experiments relevant at the nanoscale dimensions are presented. Finally, we discuss current and future nanotechnology applications in engineering, electronics, optoelectronics, photonics, plasmonics, polaritonics, nano-optics, quantum computing, and medicine.
Hours: 2 lecture hours
Weight: 0.5
9518: Many Body Theory
Description: Second quantization and Green's functions in condensed matter physics, decoupling approximations, diagrammatic perturbation theory.
Hours: 2 lecture hours
Weight: 0.5
9524: Molecular Symmetry and Spectroscopy
Description: This course is intended to provide the student with a thorough introduction to molecular spectroscopy. The emphasis will be on understanding molecules and their spectra by making use of their symmetry (more precisely the symmetry of the Hamiltonian) for problem-solving. The necessary tools will be developed to explain the electronic, vibrational, and rotational spectroscopy of simple molecules. We will concentrate on situations involving interactions between gas-phase molecules and weak electromagnetic radiation.
Hours: 3 lecture hours
Weight: 0.5
9601: Planetary Image Interpretation (Combined with GL 9557)
Description: This course will introduce students to the processes and products of impact cratering on Earth and throughout the Solar System, including: impact cratering processes; the threat; the products of impact cratering; the effects of impact cratering as destructive and beneficial; techniques and research methods; comparative case studies of various impact structures
This course will feature weekly lectures, student presentations, hands-on laboratories, and a field trip to the Sudbury impact structure.
Hours: 3 lecture hours
Weight: 0.5
9610: Foundations of Physics
Description: Physics is built on several core pillars. A professional physicist must have knowledge of these fundamental theories beyond the undergraduate level. The course provides an in-depth survey of Classical Mechanics, Quantum Mechanics, Statistical Mechanics, and Electrodynamics. These core areas are the foundational material necessary to be prepared for the Department's Ph.D. comprehensive examination.
Hours: 3 lecture hours
Weight: 0.5
9640: Biomedical Ultrasound
Description: Fundamental physics and instrumentation of biomedical ultrasound imaging presented at a level suited to graduate students performing thesis research in ultrasound imaging. The course will encourage students to develop a unified conceptual and mathematical understanding of ultrasound imaging and will emphasize the use of computer simulation to illustrate and extend key concepts. Topics covered will include physical acoustics, beam and image formation, coherent speckle, and blood-flow and tissue-motion estimation.
Hours: 3 lecture hours
Weight: 0.5
9655: Radiological Physics
Description: Instrumentation, apparatus, and methods.
Hours: 2 lecture hours
Weight: 0.5
9660: Nuclear Magnetic Resonance
Description: Establish knowledge of the principles and techniques of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). To apply previously learned physics concepts (from electromagnetism, quantum mechanics, and statistical mechanics) to NMR. To introduce applications of NMR in materials science, chemistry, and medicine.
Hours: 2.5 lecture hours
Weight: 0.5
9661: Magnetic Resonance Imaging System Fundamentals
9720: Atmospheric Physics
Description: An introduction to the basic physical mechanisms involved in atmospheric phenomena such as the aurora, gravity waves, atmospheric electricity, greenhouse effect, and the ozone layer. Emphasis is also given to a basic understanding of the various "layers" into which the atmosphere and upper atmosphere are divided
Hours: 3 lecture hours
Weight: 0.5
9721: The Upper Atmosphere
Description: Selected topics pertaining to the upper atmosphere.
Hours: 2 lecture hours
Weight: 0.5
9722: The Middle Atmosphere
Description: Selected topics pertaining to the upper atmosphere.
Hours: 2 lecture hours
Weight: 0.5
9723: Atmospheric Waves & Turbulence
Description: This course will cover atmospheric dynamics associated with wave and turbulence motions. It will begin by examining simple concepts like the hydrostatic equation, then move to the Navier Stokes equation with gravity, Earth's rotation and various other forcings involved. We will deal mainly with the non-hydrostatic equations, although they may occasionally simplify the equations to Boussinesq and Anelastic. We will consider Reynold's stresses and their relevance to both waves and turbulence. Motions on various scales will be considered, from gravity waves to tides to high- and low- pressure systems, frontal systems and the impact of the jet stream. Further topics will include Rossby and Kelvin waves, and atmospheric tides. We will study these phenomena at all altitudes from the lower troposphere through the stratosphere and into the mesosphere.
9724: Antenna and Radar in Physics
Description: An overview of antenna/radar theory and application in Physics and Astronomy. To begin, we will overview Maxwell's equations as they apply to antennas, waveguides, plasmas, and propagation media. Then we will move to pragmatic applications relating to the design and construction of these devices in the real world. Following this, the course will turn to data acquisition and signal processing, with particular examples from atmospheric radar, satellite radar and astronomy. The impact of noise will be specially addressed. Applications in the medical field will also be demonstrated. Specific examples of applications include aperture synthesis, synthetic aperture, interferometry, antenna matching, super-heterodyne systems, Near and Far-field diffraction, Antenna coupling, NEC modeling, transmission lines, coaxial cables, VSWR, Polarization, Faraday Rotation, Stokes parameters, Radar Calibration, Noise suppression, Digitization, In-phase and Quadrature signals, special filters (comb filters etc.), VLBI, Transmitters, and radio scatter theory, among others.
9807: Fluid Dynamics
Description: A course to introduce the basics of fluid dynamics, including the Euler equation, potential flow, Stokes flow, and the Navier-Stokes equation.
Weight: 0.5
9810: Optics and Photovoltaics
Description: The Objective of this course is to provide the student with a solid background in the optical properties of condensed matter in the solid-state. Special emphasis is placed on photovoltaic materials, able to generate an electrical current from absorbed light. The course is divided in two parts. The first part of the course discusses the optical properties of materials having different electronic structures (metallic, semiconducting and insulating) and degrees of order (crystalline, micro/nanocrystalline and amorphous). Optical transitions in solids are introduced from quantum-mechanical arguments. Experimental techniques for measuring the optical properties in solids will also be presented. The second part of the course focuses on photoactive and photovoltaic materials. A number of such materials are introduced classifying them from their valence electronic structure. Different types of architectures for photovoltaic devices (including planar solar cells, thin-film solar cells and bulk hetherojunctions) are discussed in light of specific optical properties of these materials.
9812: Condensed Matter Physics
Description: Crystal structure; crystal binding; phonons and lattice vibrations. Electrons in solids. Energy bands; semiconductors; superconductivity. Magnetic properties.
Hours: 2 lecture hours
Weight: 0.5
9814: Scattering Techniques
Description: This course will cover the theory and applications of a range of scattering techniques for the study of structure and dynamics in condensed matter. Experimental implementation and data analysis techniques will also be discussed.
9826: Surface Science (Former P526a/b)
Description: Thermodynamics. Surface structure, relaxation, reconstructions, defects , 2D lattices. Physics of Ultrahigh vacuum, adsorption, desorption, diffusion, deposition methods, film growth, and epitaxy . Semiconductor, oxide surfaces; heterogeneous catalysis. Photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS); scanning Auger microscopy; Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM); Ion scattering spectroscopy (LEIS, MEIS, RBS, ERD); Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry; Local surface imaging (STM, SPM); Vibrational Spectroscopies (FTIR, Raman). Focused Ion Beam (FIB); e-beam lithography.
Hours: 3 lecture hours
Weight: 0.5
9827: Physics of Crystal Growth
Description: A brief review of the thermodynamic aspects of liquid-solid phase coexistence will be followed by the consideration of kinetics of crystal growth, including nucleation, microscopic growth laws, diffusion-limited growth and crystallization patterns. Grades will be based on written assignments and a short project due at the end of the term.
Hours: 2 lecture hours
Weight: 0.5
9828: Introduction to Polymer Physics
Description: (See also 9848) This course will cover basic polymer terminology and structural features of polymers, then continue with light scattering, x-ray analysis, rheology, and polarization microscopy. The different solid states (amorphous, crystalline, glassy, and mixtures), the transitions thereof, and typical polymeric relaxations will be discussed.
Hours: 2 lecture hours
Weight: 0.5
9847: Topics in Crystal Growth
9848: Basics of Polymer Physics
Description: This course will cover basic polymer terminology and structural features of polymers, then continue with light scattering, x-ray analysis, rheology, and polarization microscopy. The different solid states (amorphous, crystalline, glassy, and mixtures), the transitions thereof, and typical polymeric relaxations will be discussed.
Hours: 2 lecture hours
Weight: 0.5
9900. Teaching in the Canadian Classroom.
Description: A course designed to help prepare first-time TA's and TA's new to Canada for their teaching duties. The course outlines teaching best practices, provides a pronunciation key of commonly used words for those who require them and shows examples of good teaching in practice. It will focus on laboratory and tutorial teaching techniques.
Astronomy
9601: Comprehensive Examination
Description: A required examination for PhD candidates which allows them to demonstrate that they have mastered an adequate level of general knowledge in fundamental physics and are adequately prepared to pursue their PhD research work in their chosen sub-field. It consists of two components: a written exam to test problem-solving ability, and the development of a research proposal both as a written document and an oral presentation followed by an oral examination. The entire exam must be passed in order to continue in the PhD program. The written part is normally taken at the beginning of the third term of PhD registration. This exam tests the student's knowledge of physics in the areas of classical mechanics, electricity & magnetism, quantum mechanics, and thermodynamics & statistical mechanics. If necessary, a second attempt is allowed at the end of the third term of study. The written research proposal is due at a specified time after passing the written comprehensive examination. Non-credit requirement.
9601: Solar System and Planetary Astronomy
Description: Topics include planet formation, orbital and dynamical processes in the Solar System, isotopes and cosmochemistry, meteorites, asteroids and comets, planetary interiors, and atmospheres as well as other Solar System processes such as impacts and tides.
This course will introduce students to the processes and products of impact cratering on Earth and throughout the Solar System, including:
- impact cratering processes
- 2. the threat
- the products of impact cratering
- the effects of impact cratering – destructive and beneficial
- techniques and research methods; 6. comparative case studies of various impact structures.
This course will feature weekly lectures, student presentations, hands-on laboratories, and a field trip to the Sudbury impact structure.
Hours: 3 lecture hours
Weight: 0.5
9602: Galactic Astronomy
Description: Topics include stellar clusters, stellar motions, galactic structure, local standard of rest, interstellar medium, dark matter, spiral structure, superbubbles, HII regions.
Hours: 3 lecture hours
Weight: 0.5
9603: Star Formation
Description: Topics include the basic physics and chemistry of the interstellar medium and the current models for low and high mass star formation will be discussed. Special attention will be paid to the observational evidence that supports these models or points to their shortcomings.
Hours: 3 lecture hours
Weight: 0.5
9604: Galactic and Extragalactic IR Astronomy
Description: Techniques and methods of infrared astronomy, including imaging, spectroscopy, and interferometry with ground- and space-based instrumentation. Application to research in star formation, the interstellar medium, nearby galaxies, and the high-redshift universe.
Hours: 3 lecture hours
Weight: 0.5
9605: Computational Astrophysics
Description: A project-based course consisting of several computationally-intensive projects. Possible project topics include orbital dynamics, radiative transfer, magnetohydrodynamics, and plasma astrophysics. The astrophysics behind each project topic will be stressed.
Hours: 3 lecture hours
Weight: 0.5
9606: Fundamentals of Radiative Processes
Description: The fundamentals of radiative transfer, radiative transitions, radiation from moving charges, bremsstrahlung, synchrotron radiation, and Compton scattering.
Hours: 3 lecture hours
Weight: 0.5
9607: Cosmology
Description: Topics include relativistic cosmological models; background radiation; cosmological implications of nucleosynthesis; baryogenesis; inflation; structure formation; quasars; intergalactic medium; dark matter and energy.
9609: Stellar Structure
Description: Properties of stars. Observational data for determining stellar evolution. Physical processes in stellar interiors. Nuclear processes. Convective and radiative energy transport. Stellar Pulsations and variable stars. Stellar models and evolutionary tracks through all phases. Models of stellar atmospheres. Compact Objects. Brown Dwarfs.
9610: Introduction to Modern Astrophysics
Description: This course is an intensive introduction to modern astrophysics. It is expected that all entering Astronomy MSc students will take A9610 in their first term of study (if offered). Topics include time and coordinate systems; orbits; spectra and radiative processes; the Sun, stars, and stellar evolution; the interstellar medium; the Milky Way and external galaxies; the high-Z universe and cosmology. This course is a pre-requisite for all other astronomy graduate courses (except where noted).
9611. The Interstellar Medium
Description: Introduction to the nature and physics of the interstellar medium. Topics covered include a wide range of microscopic and macroscopic physical and chemical processes that determine the properties, dynamics, and behavior of the interstellar medium. Emphasis on the underlying (astro)physical concepts, and their connections to actual astronomical observations of the interstellar medium.
9612: Fundamentals of Computation
Description: This course will provide students with the computing background necessary for successful research in (astro)physics. Several high-level languages will be used. The course will cover the use of libraries, debugging and verification, modularization, documentation and testing, and will also introduce advanced topics including optimization and precision. Emphasis will be placed on `best practices' for scientific computing.
9613: Planet Formation and Evolution
Description: Topics include the diversity and properties of planetary systems, the formation and dissipation of primordial circumstellar disks, the growth of dust to planetesimals, the formation of terrestrial and giant planets, the properties and evolution of second-generation dusty debris disks, and the dynamics of planets and small bodies in mature planetary systems. Prerequisite: Astronomy 9610, or permission from the instructor.
Hours: 3 lecture hours
Weight: 0.5
9613: Planet Formation and Evolution
Description: Topics include the diversity and properties of planetary systems, the formation and dissipation of primordial circumstellar disks, the growth of dust to planetesimals, the formation of terrestrial and giant planets, the properties and evolution of second-generation dusty debris disks, and the dynamics of planets and small bodies in mature planetary systems. Prerequisite: Astronomy 9610, or permission from the instructor.
Hours: 3 lecture hours
Weight: 0.5
9620: Classical Electrodynamics
Description: Topics include Maxwell's equations, wave propagation, radiating systems (multipole expansion, Lienard-Wiechart potentials), covariant formulation of electromagnetism. The material covered allows for the discussion and analysis of important examples directly related to important physical phenomena such as Faraday rotation, plasma physics, magnetohydrodynamics, and synchrotron and bremsstrahlung radiation.
Hours: 3 lecture hours
Weight: 0.5
9701: Molecular Symmetry and Spectroscopy
Description: A thorough introduction to molecular spectroscopy. The emphasis will be on understanding molecules and their spectra by making use of their symmetry for problem-solving. The necessary tools will be developed to explain the electronic, vibrational, and rotational spectroscopy of simple molecules. We will concentrate on situations involving interactions between gas-phase molecules and weak electromagnetic radiation.
Hours: 3 lecture hours
Weight: 0.5
9702: Stellar Atmospheres
Description: This course introduces the theoretical and observational foundations required for the study of stellar photospheres. Topics include radiation and radiative transfer, spectroscopy, and observational instrumentation, including spectrographs and detectors.
Hours: 3 lecture hours
Weight: 0.5
9707: Astrophysical Gas Dynamics
Description: This is a graduate-level course covering the application of gas/fluid dynamics to problems of astrophysical interest. Topics include the fluid equations, magnetohydrodynamics, waves and shocks, instabilities, turbulence, gravitation, blast waves, and numerical techniques.
9720. Special Topics
Description: This is a graduate-level course covering the application of gas/fluid dynamics to problems of astrophysical interest. Topics include the fluid equations, magnetohydrodynamics, waves and shocks, instabilities, turbulence, gravitation, blast waves, and numerical techniques.
Hours:
Weight: 0.5
9802: Water in the Solar System
Description: Evolution, reservoirs, and fate of water in the solar system. The course will involve discussion of topical papers, presentations, paper reviews, and a final manuscript.
9803: Planetary Image Interpretation (now renumbered Planetary Science 9762)
Hours:
Weight: 0.5
9810: Mars
Description: Topics include Mar's: core and magnetism based on geochemistry and geodynamics; mantle and crust based on meteorite petrology and geochemistry; crust based on volcanology and geomorphology; water-based on petrology, geomorphology, aqueous geochemistry and salts; weather and climate history based on remote sensing; remote exploration including findings based on recent missions using remote sensing and geochemical analysis; potential for life-based on geomicrobiology constraints; moons Phobos and Deimos.
Hours:2
Weight: 0.5
Presentation assignments in the form of one-page abstracts, final exam. Taught with Geology 9710.