Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2026 - PHYS 391 D100

Introduction to Observational Astrophysics (3)

Class Number: 5064

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 6, 2026: Tue, Thu, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 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

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

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.