Astrophysics
Graduate · Physics
Syllabus focus
Topics typically covered
Standard syllabus
Radiative processes
- Radiative transfer equation and opacity
- Bremsstrahlung, synchrotron, and Compton
- Line formation and NLTE (intro)
- Accretion disks and Eddington limits
- Radiation hydrodynamics basics
Stellar and compact objects
- Stellar structure equations
- Nucleosynthesis and stellar evolution tracks
- Supernovae and nucleosynthesis yields
- Neutron star structure and EOS
- Black hole thermodynamics
Cosmology
- Friedmann models and distance measures
- CMB anisotropies and power spectra
- Large-scale structure formation
- Dark energy models
- Gravitational lensing in cosmology
STEM / applied
Observation and data
- Survey pipelines: SDSS, DES, LSST
- Radio interferometry: CLEAN algorithm
- Time-domain astronomy and alerts
- Bayesian inference for cosmological parameters
- High-energy astrophysics mission data
Numerical astrophysics
- N-body and hydrodynamic cosmological sims
- Stellar evolution codes: MESA overview
- Radiative MHD simulations
- Synthetic observations from simulations
- HPC resources for astrophysics groups
Professional skills
- Writing telescope proposals (ALMA, JWST)
- Coauthor norms in large collaborations
- Public outreach for astrophysics results
- Teaching observational techniques
- Careers at observatories and space agencies
Study units
Each unit includes a study guide, worksheets, review, practice test, and answer key. One unit is free; subscribe for the full class.
- Radiative processes
Radiative transfer equation and opacity
Coming soon - Stellar and compact objects
Stellar structure equations
Coming soon - Cosmology
Friedmann models and distance measures
Coming soon - Observation and data
Survey pipelines: SDSS, DES, LSST
Coming soon - Numerical astrophysics
N-body and hydrodynamic cosmological sims
Coming soon - Professional skills
Writing telescope proposals (ALMA, JWST)
Coming soon
Notes
Topics reflect common graduate physics core and elective syllabi at US universities. Sequencing and emphasis vary between one- and two-semester treatments.