Aim of the course

This is a required course in all Astronomy & Astrophysics programs.  In this course, students will learn to apply basic physical concepts and simple mathematical tools to develop an understanding of planets and stars. Issues covered include bodies in our Solar system, planet formation, internal structure of planets and stars, star formation and stellar evolution.

Grading

. Problem sets (60%)

. Oral Presentation (5%)

. Term Test (10%) -- with popular votes, this will be changed to a new problem set.

. Final examination (25%)

8 problem sets are due Fridays 12pm. They should be handed in as a single pdf file to the portal.  Late penalty is 10% reduction per calendar day (weekend days included). You are strongly encouraged to collaborate on the problem sets but are not allowed to copy each other. The University has strict guidelines and grave punishments for academic misconduct. TAs have received training on spotting this (it turns out human brains are pretty good at it), and we will (and have in the past) forward the cases to the academic offence officer.

Student presentation will happen on Fridays at the second half of the term. This will be 5-minute presentations by each group of two students, on a topic that is approved by me. Suggested topics are posted here. Oct. 28th is the official date (8am - 11:59pm) to email me about your topic choices.

Mid-term (Oct. 18th, usual hour/room) will be an in-class, open-booked exam of 1 hour duration.

Final exam will be a closed-book exam of 3 hours duration (calculator allowed, no cheat-sheet) during the exam period.

A student who is unable to write the  term test because of illness will be allowed to take a make-up test provided she/he notifies Prof. Wu before the test. In addition, the University of Toronto Student Medical Certificate or a note from the registrar must be presented. The UofT Medical certificate is available at Health Services, the Office of the Faculty Registrar, College Registrar's Offices, in the Registration Handbook and Timetable and from the web.

Textbook

Introduction to Modern Astrophysics, Carroll & Ostlie, 2nd edition,

Contact: who, when, where

Instructor: Prof. Yanqin Wu;   

Lectures: M/W/F 12-1pm (GB119)

Email: wu_at_astro.utoronto.ca

Office hours:  Wed. 3:15-4:15pm (MP1210)

Teaching Assistants: TAs: Yansong Qian, Mark Dodici, Dang Pham, Alicia Savelli, Nolan Koblischke 

TA office hours: Tues. 5-7pm (AB113); Wed. 4-6pm (AB113);  Thurs. 5-7pm (AB113) 

Friday practicals: an important part of the course. They are another form of lecture, not just help sessions. During these hours, we will discuss specific issues that are related to the lectures, but are typically not covered by the lectures. The issues discussed are flexible (I am open to suggestions), and the format is intended to be as interactive as possible. 

Weekly Help sessions: these will be led by a TA. During the session, you could sit together with a small group of friends and collaborate on the problem set. TA will be in the room to explain the concepts, and to provide diagnostics. If a common problem emerge, the TA will hold a short tutorial during the help session. These help sessions are the best way to interact with the TAs and your fellow students.

Office hours: If you wish to talk to me or the TA individually, please visit us during the office hours; failing that, you can try to arrange an appointment with us by email. Do not expect homework answers by e-mail.