Independent Study Course - Spring 2006

PHY490: Topics in Astrophysics (for juniors/seniors in physics/sciences)

I am offering a course to be taken as an "Independent Study" course (Course Number 490). The title is "Topics in Astrophysics" and is open to juniors/seniors in physics or to students with similar interests and background. If you want to take it or would like to know more about it, please see me (you need the permission of the instructor to sing up for it).

Students taking this course will be assigned to research a topic in astrophysics (to be selected in consultation with the instructor - typical topics range from the physics of the interstellar medium, to supernovae and quasars); the highlight of the course will be a presentation of the research done during the semester. There will be required weekly meetings and occasional written assignments on material related to the project. Students will also prepare a final paper that will form the basis of their presentations.

Requirements: be familiar with topics covered in typical courses in general physics, calculus, and modern physics. Knowledge of elements of statistical physics and thermodynamics is a plus.

Credits: 3 credit hours (or fewer in special cases)

Gianfranco Vidali
x9115
gvidali@syr.edu