Don Luttermoser's ASTR-3415 Course Web Page

This web page has been set up for the students at ETSU taking ASTR-3415 Astrophysics. Links have been set up for the students to download the course notes, handouts that have been given out in class, and textbook's web page. The files that can be downloaded are in two different formats: PDF (Portable Document Format) (which requires Acrobat Reader to view) or in Postscript (PS) format (which you will need a postscript printer or Ghostscript converter to print them). Note that the fonts in the PDF format files will look a little "sloppy" when you view them on your computer screen. However, the text will appear very neat when they are printed. I do not yet have all of my notes available here. They will be added as time progresses. Note that we will be using Version 1.2 of my course notes during the Spring 2003 semester.

Course Overview

Astrophysics covers the theoretical basis of what we know about the Universe. It is the study of astronomical phenomena through the techniques described by physics: mechanics, atomic and molecular physics (i.e., quantum mechanics), nuclear physics, relativity, and electromagnetism, to name only a few. Three main sections will be covered in this course: (1) stellar astrophysics, including stellar atmospheres, stellar interiors and nuclear fusion, and stellar evolution from birth to death; (2) galactic astronomy which covers the internal structure of the Milky Way -- our home galaxy; and (3) cosmology, the study of the origin (i.e., the Big Bang Theory), evolution, and structure of the Universe as a whole. The students will have a firm understanding of the basics of astrophysics at the conclusion of this course.

Course Syllabus

Course Syllabus for ASTR-3415-001, Astrophysics. You can also download a postscript version or a pdf version of this syllabus by clicking on the appropriate link.

Course Notes Sections:

Attention students! Except for Section I of the notes, none of these postscript nor pdf section files contain figures (some may have a couple). I will be passing out those pages with figures during class.

I. Radiative Transfer and Atomic Structure   (PDF - 1.08 MB)   (PS - 7.83 MB)
II. Stellar Spectra and the H-R Diagram   (PDF - 363 KB)   (PS - 257 KB)
III. The Solar and Stellar Atmospheres   (PDF - 383 KB)   (PS - 255 KB)
IV. Stellar Interiors   (PDF - 467 KB)   (PS - 309 KB)
V. Stellar Evolution: Birth   (PDF - 466 KB)   (PS - 468 KB)
VI. Stellar Evolution: Main Sequence and Post-Main Sequence Evolution  
(PDF - 176 KB)   (PS - 154 KB)
VII. Stellar Evolution: Old Age and Death   (PDF - 1.02 MB)   (PS - 765 KB)
VIII. The Theory of Relativity and Stellar Corpses   (PDF - 408 KB)   (PS - 339 KB)
IX. The Milky Way Galaxy   (PDF - 387 KB)   (PS - 300 KB)
X. Galaxies in the Universe and Hubble's Law   (PDF - 210 KB)   (PS - 190 KB)
XI. Gravitation, Cosmology, and the Big Bang   (PDF - 576 KB)   (PS - 386 KB)

Homework Assignments, Reviews, Computer Project, and Exams

Homework Assignments: Problem Set 1 (PDF)   (PS)
Problem Set 2 (PDF)   (PS)
Problem Set 3 (PDF)   (PS)
Problem Set 4 (PDF)   (PS)
Homework Solutions: Solution Set 1 (PDF)   (PS)
Solution Set 2 (PDF)   (PS)   ( hw3415ion.pro IDL procedure)
Solution Set 3 (PDF)   (PS)   ( hw3415mdot.pro IDL procedure)
Solution Set 4 (PDF)   (PS)
Exam Reviews: Exam 1 Review (PDF)   (PS)
Exam 2 Review (PDF)   (PS)
Exam 3 Review (PDF)   (PS)
Exams: Exam 1 (PDF)   (PS)
Exam 2 (PDF)   (PS)
Exam 3 (PDF)   (PS)
Exam Solutions: Exam Solutions 1 (PDF)   (PS)
Exam Solutions 2 (PDF)   (PS)
Exam Solutions 3 (PDF)   (PS)
Computer Project: Course Project Home Page

Web site of course textbook An Introduction to Modern Astrophysics by Carroll and Ostlie, 1996, Addison-Wesley Publishing Company, Inc..

Click here to go to Dr. Luttermoser's current courses page.
Click here to go to the Department of Physics and Astronomy homepage.

Last modified: April 29, 2003 by D.G. Luttermoser