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Graduate

The following Graduate-level astronomy and astrophysics courses are offered by the Physics Department at UMBC. These courses should be taken and passed (with a grade-B or better) by students wishing to graduate with an APPH Ph.D. with a specialization (Thesis-topic) in Astrophysics as outlined in the APPH/Astro Policies & Expectations. Note that there are also additional requirements for successful graduation outlined in the APPH/Astro Policies & Expectations.

PHYS631

The Physics of Astrophysics I (3 credits) Prerequisite: None (at discretion of instructor). Introduction to the emission, absorption and scattering of radiation by matter in astrophysical environments, illustrated using recent results from the astrophysical literature. Topics include radiative transfer, statistical mechanics, local thermodynamic equilibrium, emission and absorption line diagnostics in common use, and the effects of dust. These physical processes will be applied to stellar atmospheres, the interstellar medium, HII regions, supernova remnants, active galactic nuclei, and clusters of galaxies. [More Info...]

PHYS632

The Physics of Astrophysics II (3 credits) Prerequisite: PHYS631 The course follows on from PHYS631, and provides an introduction to gas dynamics within astrophysical environments. The focus is on the interactions of matter & radiation with electromagnetic fields on macroscopic scales. Topics include single-fluid theory, differential motion, equilibria of self-gravitating masses &gravitational collapse, viscosity & fluid instabilities, shears, turbulence & shocks, magnetohydrodynamics and plasma physics. These physical processes will be illustrated using recent results from the astrophysical literature, and will include galaxy formation, star-formation, giant planets & neutron stars, viscous accretion disks in both galactic & extragalactic objects, the ionization fronts in expanding HII regions, blast waves from supernova remnants, solar flares and MHD flows from accretion disks. [More Info...]

Generally (starting in 2005), students wishing to graduate with an APPH Ph.D. with a specialization (Thesis-topic) in Astrophysics will be expected to take and pass (with a grade-B or better) some/all of the above courses. Detailed requirements & expectations for graduation are outlined in the APPH/Astro Policies & Expectations.

[Students starting prior to 2005 will be "grandfathered" into this system - as deemed appropriate: discuss this with your advisor.]