Spring 2021 - PHYS 391 D100

Introduction to Observational Astrophysics (3)

Class Number: 5759

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 11 – Apr 16, 2021: Tue, Thu, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 22, 2021
    Thu, 3:30–6:30 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    PHYS 233 or equivalent. 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:
Class time will be synchronous and will be divided roughly equally between lectures (recorded) and
lab/tutorial sessions (not recorded). The lab sessions will consist of connection to a remote server to
for computational exercises and analysis of data.

A few evenings are anticipated over the semester for observing with the Trottier Observatory via
remote connection. These sessions are weather-dependent and will be synchronous (not recorded).

Grading

  • Homework 20%
  • Projects 60%
  • Final Exam 20%

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Textbook:
None
Recommended list TBA

Required resources:

• reliable high-speed internet access
• computer with webcam and microphone
• smartphone with camera (ability to take images and upload them)

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, before the end of the first week of classes.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site 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

TEACHING AT SFU IN SPRING 2021

Teaching at SFU in spring 2021 will be conducted primarily through remote methods. There will be in-person course components in a few exceptional cases where this is fundamental to the educational goals of the course. Such course components will be clearly identified at registration, as will course components that will be “live” (synchronous) vs. at your own pace (asynchronous). Enrollment acknowledges that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes. To ensure you can access all course materials, we recommend you have access to a computer with a microphone and camera, and the internet. In some cases your instructor may use Zoom or other means requiring a camera and microphone to invigilate exams. If proctoring software will be used, this will be confirmed in the first week of class.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need class or exam accommodations, including in the current context of remote learning, are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112).