PHYS60743

Prerequisite: Permission of department chair. Structure and evolution of star clusters and galaxies, evolution of individual stars and their kinematics, chemistry, and spectral energy distributions, the effects such evolution have on populations of stars with both simple and complex star formation histories. Qualitative and quantitative discussion of various types of galaxies (ellipticals, spirals, dwarf, starburst), including groups and clusters of galaxies, active galaxies, and galaxy evolution. The course introduces fundamental tools of Galactic astronomy, with topics including methods for assessing the size, shape, age, and dynamics of the Milky Way and other stellar systems.