Astrophysics (Ay) Undergraduate Courses (2016-17)
Ay 1.
The Evolving Universe.
9 units (3-3-3):
third term.
Prerequisites: This course is intended primarily for freshmen not expecting to take more advanced astronomy courses and will satisfy the menu requirement of the Caltech core curriculum..
Introduction to modern astronomy that will illustrate the accomplishments, techniques, and scientific methodology of contemporary astronomy. The course will be organized around a set of basic questions, showing how our answers have changed in response to fresh observational discoveries. Topics to be discussed will include telescopes, stars, planets, the search for life elsewhere in the universe, supernovae, pulsars, black holes, galaxies and their active nuclei, and Big Bang cosmology. This class will be offered in a "flipped classroom" mode: the students will be required to watch the video lectures first, and then discuss them and work out problems in the classroom. A field trip to Palomar Observatory will be organized. Not offered on a pass/fail basis.
Instructor: Djorgovski/Hallinan.
FS/Ay 3.
Freshman Seminar: Automating Discovering the Universe.
6 units (2-0-4):
second term.
Powerful new instruments enable astronomers to collect huge volumes of data on billions of objects. As a result, astronomy is changing dramatically: by the end of this decade, most astronomers will probably be analysing data collected in large surveys, and only a few will still be visiting observatories to collect their own data. The tool chest of future astronomers will involve facility with "big data", developing clever queries, algorithms (some based on machine learning) and statistics, and combining multiple databases. This course will introduce students to some of these tools. After "recovering" known objects, students will be unleashed to make their own astronomical discoveries in new data sets. Limited enrollment.
Instructor: Kulkarni.
Ge/Ay 11 c.
Introduction to Earth and Planetary Sciences: Planetary Sciences.
9 units (3-0-6):
third term.
Prerequisites: Ma 1 ab, Ph 1 ab.
A broad introduction to the present state and early history of the solar system, including terrestrial planets, giant planets, moons, asteroids, comets, and rings. Earth-based observations, observations by planetary spacecraft, study of meteorites, and observations of extrasolar planets are used to constrain models of the dynamical and chemical processes of planetary systems. Although Ge 11 abcd is designed as a sequence, any one term may be taken as a standalone course. Physicists and astronomers are particularly welcome.
Instructor: Brown.
Ay 20.
Basic Astronomy and the Galaxy.
10 units (3-1-6):
first term.
Prerequisites: Ma 1 abc, Ph 1 abc or instructor's permission.
The electromagnetic spectrum and basic radiative transfer; ground and space observing techniques; "pictorial Fourier description" of astrophysical optics; Kepler's laws; exoplanets; stellar masses, distances, and motions; the birth, structure, evolution, and death of stars; the structure and dynamics of the Galaxy. Lessons will emphasize the use of order-of-magnitude calculations and scaling arguments in order to elucidate the physics of astrophysical phenomena. Short labs will introduce astronomical measurement techniques.
Instructor: Sargent.
Ay 21.
Galaxies and Cosmology.
9 units (3-0-6):
second term.
Prerequisites: Ma 1 abc, Ph 1 abc or instructor's permission.
Cosmological models and parameters, extragalactic distance scale, cosmological tests; constituents of the universe, dark matter, and dark energy; thermal history of the universe, cosmic nucleosynthesis, recombination, and cosmic microwave background; formation and evolution of structure in the universe; galaxy clusters, large-scale structure and its evolution; galaxies, their properties and fundamental correlations; formation and evolution of galaxies, deep surveys; star formation history of the universe; quasars and other active galactic nuclei, and their evolution; structure and evolution of the intergalactic medium; diffuse extragalactic backgrounds; the first stars, galaxies, and the reionization era.
Instructor: Djorgovski.
Ay 30.
Introduction to Modern Research.
3 units (2-0-1):
second term.
Weekly seminar open to declared Ay majors. At the discretion of the instructor, nonmajors who have taken astronomy courses may be admitted. Course is intended for sophomores and juniors. This seminar is held in faculty homes in the evening and is designed to encourage student communication skills as they are introduced to faculty members and their research. Each week a student will review a popular-level article in astronomy for the class. Graded pass/fail.
Instructor: Sargent.
Ay 31.
Writing in Astronomy.
3 units (1-0-2):
third term.
This course is intended to provide practical experience in the types of writing expected of professional astronomers. Example styles include research proposals, topical reviews, professional journal manuscripts, and articles for popular magazines such as Astronomy or Sky and Telescope. Each student will adopt one of these formats in consultation with the course instructor and write an original piece. An outline and several drafts reviewed by both a faculty mentor familiar with the topic and the course instructor are required. This course is most suitable for juniors and seniors. Fulfills the Institute scientific writing requirement.
Instructor: Sargen.
Ay 43.
Reading in Astronomy and Astrophysics.
Units in accordance with work accomplished, not to exceed 3:
.
Course is intended for students with a definite independent reading plan or who attend regular (biweekly) research and literature discussion groups. Instructor's permission required. Graded pass/fail.
Instructor: Staff.
Ay 78 abc.
Senior Thesis.
9 units:
.
Prerequisites: To register for this course, the student must obtain approval of the astronomy option representative and the prospective thesis adviser.
Previous SURF or independent study work can be useful experience. Course is open to senior astronomy majors only. Research must be supervised by a faculty member. Students wishing assistance in finding an adviser and/or a topic for a senior thesis are invited to consult with the astronomy option representative. The student will work with an advisor to formulate a research project, conduct original research, present new results, and evaluate them in the context of previously published work in the field. The first two terms are graded pass/fail and the grades are then changed at the end of the course to the appropriate letter grade for all three terms. In order to receive a passing grade for second term, a work plan and a preliminary thesis outline must be submitted. The written thesis of 20-100 pages must be completed and approved by the adviser and the option representative before the end of the third term.
Instructor: Staff.
Ay 101.
Physics of Stars.
11 units (3-2-6):
second term.
Prerequisites: Ay 20 is recommended.
Physics of stellar interiors and atmospheres. Properties of stars, stellar spectra, radiative transfer, line formation. Stellar structure, stellar evolution. Nucleosynthesis in stars. Stellar oscillations.
Instructor: Kirby.
Ay 102.
Physics of the Interstellar Medium.
9 units (3-0-6):
third term.
Prerequisites: Ay 20 is recommended.
An introduction to observations of the inter-stellar medium and relevant physical processes. The structure and hydrodynamic evolution of ionized hydrogen regions associated with massive stars and supernovae, thermal balance in neutral and ionized phases, star formation and global models for the interstellar medium.
Instructor: Hillenbrand.
Ay/Ph 104.
Relativistic Astrophysics.
9 units (3-0-6):
third term.
Prerequisites: Ph 1, Ph 2 ab.
This course is designed primarily for junior and senior undergraduates in astrophysics and physics. It covers the physics of black holes and neutron stars, including accretion, particle acceleration and gravitational waves, as well as their observable consequences: (neutron stars) pulsars, magnetars, X-ray binaries, gamma-ray bursts; (black holes) X-ray transients, tidal disruption and quasars/active galaxies and sources of gravitational waves. Not Offered 2016-2017
Ay 105.
Optical Astronomy Instrumentation Lab.
10 units (1-5-4):
third term.
Prerequisites: Ay 20.
An opportunity for astronomy and physics undergraduates (juniors and seniors) to gain firsthand experience with the basic instrumentation tools of modern optical and infrared astronomy. The 10 weekly lab experiments include radiometry measurements, geometrical optics, polarization, optical aberrations, spectroscopy, CCD characterization, vacuum and cryogenic technology, infrared detector technology, adaptive optics (wavefront sensors, deformable mirrors, closed loop control) and a coronography tuturial.
Instructor: Mawet.
Ay 111 a.
Introduction to Current Astrophysics Research.
3 units:
first term.
This course is intended primarily for first-year Ay graduate students, although participation is open and encouraged. Students are required to attend seminar-style lectures given by astrophysics faculty members, describing their research, to attend the weekly astronomy colloquia, and to follow these with additional readings on the subject. At the end of each term, students are required to summarize in oral or written form (at the discretion of the instructor), one of the covered subjects that is of most interest to them.
Instructor: Phinney.
Ge/Ay 117.
Statistics and Data Analysis.
9 units (3-0-6):
second term.
Prerequisites: CS 1 and instructors permission..
In modern fields of planetary science and astronomy, vast quantities of data are often available to researchers. The challenge is converting this information into meaningful knowledge about the universe. The primary focus of this course is the development of a broad and general tool set that can be applied to the student's own research. We will use case studies from the astrophysical and planetary science literature as our guide as we learn about common pitfalls, explore strategies for data analysis, understand how to select the best model for the task at hand, and learn the importance of properly quantifying and reporting the level of confidence in one's conclusions.
Instructor: Knutson.
Ay 119.
Methods of Computational Science.
9 units (3-0-6):
third term.
Open to graduate and upper-division undergraduate students in all options. Practical computational science methods useful in disciplines dealing with large and/or complex data sets. Topics include: Scientific databases and archives; data mining and exploration; data visualization techniques; practical techniques for physical modeling, including numerical and stochastic models; data sharing over networks, Web services, computational and data grids; design and understanding of scientific computational systems and experiments, and good software practices. Not Offered 2016-2017
Ay 121.
Radiative Processes.
9 units (3-0-6):
first term.
Prerequisites: Ph106bc, Ph 125 or equivalent (undergraduates).
The interaction of radiation with matter: radiative transfer, emission, and absorption. Compton processes, coherent emission processes, synchrotron radiation, collisional excitation, spectroscopy of atoms and molecules.
Instructor: Kirby.
Ay 122 abc.
Astronomical Measurements and Instrumentation.
9 units (3-0-6):
first term (a), second term (b).
Prerequisites: Ph 106bc or equivalent.
Measurement and signal analysis techniques throughout the electromagnetic spectrum. Courses may include lab work and field trips to Caltech observatories. Ay 122a concentrates on infrared, optical, and ultraviolet techniques: telescopes, optics, detectors, photometry, spectroscopy, active/adaptive optics, coronography. Imaging devices and image processing. Ay 122b concentrates on radio through submillimeter techniques: antennae, receivers, mixers, and amplifiers. Interferometers and aperture synthesis arrays. Signal analysis techniques and probability and statistics, as relevant to astronomical measurement. Ay 122c (not offered 2016-17) concentrates on X-ray through gamma-ray techniques.
Instructors: (a) Kasliwal, Mawet, (b) Hallinan, Kulkarni.
Ay 123.
Structure and Evolution of Stars.
9 units (3-0-6):
first term.
Prerequisites: Ay 101; Ph 125 or equivalent (undergraduates).
Thermodynamics, equation of state, convection, opacity, radiative transfer, stellar atmospheres, nuclear reactions, and stellar models. Evolution of low- and high-mass stars, supernovae, and binary stars.
Instructor: Hillenbrand.
Ay 124.
Structure and Dynamics of Galaxies.
9 units (3-0-6):
second term.
Prerequisites: Ay 21; Ph 106 or equivalent (undergraduates).
Stellar dynamics and properties of galaxies; kinematics and dynamics of our galaxy; spiral structure; stellar composition, masses, and rotation of external galaxies; star clusters; galactic evolution; binaries, groups, and clusters of galaxies.
Instructor: Hopkins.
Ay 125.
High-Energy Astrophysics.
9 units (3-0-6):
third term.
Prerequisites: Ph 106 and Ph 125 or equivalent (undergraduates).
High-energy astrophysics, the final stages of stellar evolution; supernovae, binary stars, accretion disks, pulsars; extragalactic radio sources; active galactic nuclei; black holes.
Instructor: Kasliwa.
Ay 126.
Interstellar and Intergalactic Medium.
9 units (3-0-6):
third term.
Prerequisites: Ay 102 (undergraduates).
Physical processes in the interstellar medium. Ionization, thermal and dynamic balance of interstellar medium, molecular clouds, hydrodynamics, magnetic fields, H II regions, supernova remnants, star formation, global structure of interstellar medium.
Instructor: Kulkarni.
Ay 127.
Cosmology and Galaxy Formation.
9 units (3-0-6):
second term.
Prerequisites: Ay 21; Ph 106 or equivalent (undergraduates).
Cosmology; extragalactic distance determinations; relativistic cosmological models; galaxy formation and clustering; thermal history of the universe, microwave background; nucleosynthesis; cosmological tests.
Instructor: Staff.
Ge/Ay 132.
Atomic and Molecular Processes in Astronomy and Planetary Sciences.
9 units (3-0-6):
first term.
Prerequisites: instructor's permission.
Fundamental aspects of atomic and molecular spectra that enable one to infer physical conditions in astronomical, planetary, and terrestrial environments. Topics will include the structure and spectra of atoms, molecules, and solids; transition probabilities; photoionization and recombination; collisional processes; gas-phase chemical reactions; and isotopic fractionation. Each topic will be illustrated with applications in astronomy and planetary sciences, ranging from planetary atmospheres and dense interstellar clouds to the early universe. Given in alternate years; offered 2016-17.
Instructor: Blake.
Ge/Ay 133.
The Formation and Evolution of Planetary Systems.
9 units (3-0-6):
first term.
Review current theoretical ideas and observations pertaining to the formation and evolution of planetary systems. Topics to be covered include low-mass star formation, the protoplanetary disk, accretion and condensation in the solar nebula, the formation of gas giants, meteorites, the outer solar system, giant impacts, extrasolar planetary systems.
Instructors: Knutson, Batygin.
Ge/Ay 137.
Planetary Physics.
9 units (3-0-6):
second term.
Prerequisites: Ph 106 abc, ACM 95/100 ab.
A quantitative review of dynamical processes that characterize long-term evolution of planetary systems. An understanding of orbit-orbit resonances, spin-orbit resonances, secular exchange of angular momentum and the onset of chaos will be developed within the framework of Hamiltonian perturbation theory. Additionally, dissipative effects associated with tidal and planet-disk interactions will be considered.
Instructor: Batygin.
Ay 141 abc.
Research Conference in Astronomy.
3 units (1-0-2):
first, second, third terms.
Oral reports on current research in astronomy, providing students an opportunity for practice in the organization and presentation of technical material. A minimum of two presentations will be expected from each student each year. In addition, students are encouraged to participate in a public-level representation of the same material for posting to an outreach website. This course fulfills the option communication requirement and is required of all astronomy graduate students who have passed their preliminary exams. It is also recommended for astronomy seniors. Graded pass/fail.
Instructor: (a) Mawet/Phinney; (b) Kirby/Sargent; (c) Hallinan/Hillenbran.
Ay 142.
Research in Astronomy and Astrophysics.
Units in accordance with work accomplished:
.
The student should consult a member of the department and have a definite program of research outlined. Approval by the student's adviser must be obtained before registering. 36 units of Ay 142 or Ay 143 required for candidacy for graduate students. Graded pass/fail.
Ay 143.
Reading and Independent Study.
Units in accordance with work accomplished:
.
The student should consult a member of the department and have a definite program of reading and independent study outlined. Approval by the student's adviser must be obtained before registering. 36 units of Ay 142 or Ay 143 required for candidacy for graduate students. Graded pass/fail.
Ge/Ay 159.
Planetary Evolution and Habitability.
9 units (3-0-6):
second term.
Photochemistry of planetary atmospheres, comparative planetology, atmospheric evolution. What makes Earth habitable? Remote sensing of extrasolar planets, biosignatures. Given in alternate years; offered 2016-17.
Instructor: Yung.
Ay 190.
Computational Astrophysics.
9 units (3-0-6):
second term.
Prerequisites: Ph 20-22 (undergraduates).
Introduction to essential numerical analysis and computational methods in astrophysics and astrophysical data analysis. Basic numerical methods and techniques; N-body simulations; fluid dynamics (SPH/grid-based); MHD; radiation transport; reaction networks; data analysis methods; numerical relativity. Not offered 2016-17.
Ay/Ge 198.
Special Topics in the Planetary Sciences.
9 units (3-0-6):
third term.
Topic for 2015-16 is Extrasolar Planets. Thousands of planets have been identified in orbit around other stars. Astronomers are now embarking on understanding the statistics of extrasolar planet populations and characterizing individual systems in detail, namely star-planet, planet-planet and planet-disk dynamical interactions, physical parameters of planets and their composition, weather phenomena, etc. Direct and indirect detection techniques are now completing the big picture of extra-solar planetary systems in all of their natural diversity. The seminar-style course will review the state of the art in exoplanet science, take up case studies, detail current and future instrument needs, and anticipate findings. Not Offered 2016-17.