Astro 3460 - Introduction to Astrophysics

Course Number: Astro 3460

Course Name: Introduction to Astrophysics

Credits: 3 Cr

Instructor: Charles Kerton  kerton@iastate.edu 

PreReq: Credit in PHYS 2320 and PHYS 2320L or PHYS 2420/H.

Associated courses: Astro 3420, Astro 3440L and Astro 4050

Course Description

Exploration of the universe beyond our Solar System with an emphasis on the astrophysics of stars and galaxies. Typically offered Spring semester.

Topics covered include:

  • Observable properties of stars
  • Stellar atmospheres and interiors
  • Birth, evolution and death of stars
  • Cosmology, dark matter and dark energy
  • Use of computer models to study stars, protostars, and data from professional astronomers
Massive blue stars