Courses What should I review over break for this Astrophysics course?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around preparing for a course in stellar astrophysics, which includes topics such as solar physics, star formation, stellar evolution, and cosmology. The recommended textbook is "Introduction to Modern Astrophysics" by Carroll, noted for its clarity and accessibility, making it suitable for those without extensive prior knowledge. The course is identified as an upper-level elective for physics majors, suggesting it is more advanced than a generic course for non-science majors. Participants suggest reviewing concepts like central-force motion, hydrostatic equilibrium, and possibly Lagrangian mechanics, while emphasizing that the textbook will cover necessary foundational topics. One participant expresses concern about accessing the book until shortly before the semester starts, prompting a discussion on preliminary topics to study in classical mechanics.
romsofia
Gold Member
Messages
599
Reaction score
330
Description: This course covers stellar astrophysics, solar physics, star formation, stellar evolution, processes in the interstellar medium, galactic dynamics and evolution, formation of galaxies and cosmology.

Book: INTRO TO MODERN ASTROPHYSICS- Carrol

What should I review over break for this course?

I was thinking central-force motion, but I'm not sure if that's all.

Thanks for your time.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org


Hydrostatic Equilibrium for stellar processes; maybe some particle physics? Lagrangian mechanics?

Is this a generic astrophysics course for non-science majors or a core course required for a major? Undergrad or Grad?

SolsticeFire
 


I would just read the book. Carroll is pretty well written and not much prior knowledge is really necessary. It's not too heavy on the physics, what you do need to review is covered sufficiently in the book.
 


I think it's an upper-level elective for physics majors (4000 level).

I can't get the book until ~week before the semester, so I was thinking I could look at some topics from the book that was used in classical mechanics.

Thanks for the help!
 

Thread 'What are the best A-Level options for someone wanting to do Physics?'

Bit Britain-specific but I was wondering, what's the best path to take for A-Levels out of the following (I know Y10 seems a bit early to be thinking about A-levels, but my choice will impact what I do this year/ in y11) I (almost) definitely want to do physics at University - so keep that in mind... The subjects that I'm almost definitely going to take are Maths, Further Maths and Physics, and I'm taking a fast track programme which means that I'll be taking AS computer science at the end...
View full post »

Thread 'Hepth programs in Europe'

After a year of thought, I decided to adjust my ratio for applying the US/EU(+UK) schools. I mostly focused on the US schools before, but things are getting complex and I found out that Europe is also a good place to study. I found some institutes that have professors with similar interests. But gaining the information is much harder than US schools (like you have to contact professors in advance etc). For your information, I have B.S. in engineering (low GPA: 3.2/4.0) in Asia - one SCI...
View full post »

Thread 'My Grade 11 Math mark is eating me alive. What do I do?'

I'm going to make this one quick since I have little time. Background: Throughout my life I have always done good in Math. I almost always received 90%+, and received easily upwards of 95% when I took normal-level HS Math courses. When I took Grade 9 "De-Streamed" Math (All students must take "De-Streamed" in Canada), I initially had 98% until I got very sick and my mark had dropped to 95%. The Physics teachers and Math teachers talked about me as if I were some sort of genius. Then, an...
View full post »

Similar threads

Courses Is switching to astrophysics a better option for my future career?
Replies
7
Views
3K
What topics in a Physics degree don't appear in an Astrophysics degree?
Replies
8
Views
2K
Programs Physics Minor - Course Selection for ME
Replies
6
Views
2K
Programs How Do REUs Shape Future Astrophysicists?
Replies
5
Views
2K
Courses Taking Intro to Differential Equations after a break from school
Replies
2
Views
2K
Courses What physics area should I choose?
Replies
10
Views
3K
Courses What should I review for an introduction Probability Course
Replies
4
Views
1K
What to review before taking a course in E&M?
Replies
2
Views
1K
Take Astronomy Survey Course to Prepare for Grad School?
Replies
3
Views
3K
No Astrophysics classes at my school
Replies
4
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top