Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2023 - PHYS 391 D100

Introduction to Observational Astrophysics (3)

Class Number: 2827

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 4 – Apr 11, 2023: Tue, Thu, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 22, 2023
    Sat, 7:00–10:00 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    PHYS 233 or equivalent, with a minimum grade of C-. Recommended Prerequisite: CMPT 120 or equivalent.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Hands-on introduction to observational astronomy including the astrophysics of stellar clusters, galaxies, nebulae, and the expanding universe; calculation of the conditions for observing target objects; and analysis of photometric and spectroscopic data with Python. Data will be acquired using the Trottier Observatory, weather permitting, otherwise, archival data will be used.

COURSE DETAILS:

NOTE: This course is offered every other year.

Topics:
1. Measuring light
2. Telescopes
3. Photometry
4. Errors
5. Spectroscopy
6. Python packages used in astronomy
7. Observing proposals
8. Stellar evolution, galaxy structure, dark matter

Course delivery:

A few evenings are anticipated over the semester for observing with the Trottier Observatory. These sessions are weather-dependent.

Grading

  • Assignments 30%
  • Projects 40%
  • Final Exam 30%

NOTES:

The grading scheme also includes Bonus Polls worth an additional 5%.

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Recommended resources:

"Observational Astronomy" by Birney, Gonzales and Oesper
"To Measure the Sky" by Chromey
"Python for Astronomers" by Pasha and Agostino (https://prappleizer.github.io/index.html#guidesLinks to an external site.)
"An Introduction to Modern Astrophysics" by Carroll and Ostlie
 

We will be using a fully equipped computer lab, but students will likely want to do a lot of the assignments at home.  Therefore, students are strongly recommended to have access to the following equipment at home:

  • Reliable high-speed internet access for occasional downloading/uploading large amounts of data.
  • A reliable computer with modern specifications

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Department Undergraduate Notes:

Students who cannot write their exam during the course's scheduled exam time must request accommodation from their instructor in writing, clearly stating the reason for this request, within one week of the final exam schedule being posted.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating. Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the university community. Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the university. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the university. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html