This course is for you if you want to explore the details of a particular topic in astrophysics. You need to have the permission of the instructor (Jason Ferguson) before you enroll in this class. Generally, it is expected that you have completed some advance physics course (for example, Topics in Modern Physics -- Physics 551) so that you will be able to study the methods of astrophysics. The idea behind this course is to explore how astronomy works, not just talk about the discoveries of astronomers.
At the beginning of the semester we will negotiate a topic for the semester -- it might be a general topic like stellar astrophysics or a more specific topic like black holes -- and identify the sources you will use to learn about the topic. In most cases we will meet for an hour each week to talk about your work, answer questions, and explore new ideas.
Please feel free to talk about your interests in astronomy before you enroll in this class. Just give me a call at 978-3018 or stop by my office in Jabara Hall room 003.