ASTR 5110 -- Atomic and Molecular Processes

Fall 2009

[pdf version of this Syllabus]

Time and Place: Duane E126: Lec MWF 1:00-1:50, Rec W 3:00-3:50 Course Web Page: *click* Instructor: Jeremy Darling (jdarling@origins.colorado.edu; Duane D313; 2-4881) Office Hours: My office is open to you during regular working hours, so please visit. You can also email or call to make an appointment. Aims: The goal of this course is to provide a solid foundation in the interaction of radiation with matter with an emphasis on using astronomical spectra to understand the physical conditions of gas in galaxies, stars, and planets. We will learn about the excitation and structure of atoms and molecules, associated physical processes, and the statistical behavior of ensembles of particles including photons. My aim is to provide you with the tools and knowledge to continue learning and to pursue your scientific and career goals. Topics: Review of Non-Relativistic Quantum Mechanics The Hydrogen Atom and the Hydrogen Isosequence Time-Independent Perturbation Theory Multi-Electron Atoms and the Periodic Table Radiation and Time-Dependent Perturbation Theory Radiative Transfer Spectral Line Formation Ionization, Recombination, Excitation, and Cooling Non-Thermal Processes Molecular Structure and Spectroscopy Statistical Mechanics Quantum Statistics Texts: Since the topics covered in this course are so diverse, there is no single adequate text. Astronomical Spectroscopy (Tennyson) is an excellent ground-level empirical resource for spectrum formation and atomic structure, and Radiative Processes in Astrophysics (Rybicki & Lightman) will be our reference for radiative transfer. Both of these books are a good investment, and Rybicki & Lightman will be useful in subsequent courses. Astrophysics of Gaseous Nebulae and Active Galactic Nuclei (Osterbrock & Ferland) is a nice reference, but will probably only be useful if you plan on a career in Galactic or extragalactic astrophysics. Additional very good references include Modern Quantum Mechanics (Sakurai), Tools of Radio Astronomy (Rohlfs & Wilson) for molecular physics and radiative transfer, and of course The Feynman Lectures on Physics. Grading: Problem Sets - 60% Quizzes - 30% Preparation and Participation - 10% Problem sets will be frequent (~weekly) and relevant. There will be 2-3 take-home tests during the semester, but no midterm or final. Coming prepared to and participating in lectures and recitations is critical. I will often assign reading to be done for specific lectures. Homework Policy: Homework will be due at the start of class, usually on Fridays. Homework will not be accepted late except in extremely dire circumstances, and you must notify me before the due date. I will drop the lowest homework score. You are strongly encouraged to work on the problem sets on your own, but if you do collaborate with a classmate or consult a source (book, paper, wikipedia, etc), please give credit where it is due and cite your references and list your collaborators (use the same guidelines you would for a research publication). Show your work, state assumptions, use units, and employ words and sentences to elucidate your thinking. Class Time Policy: I promise to respect your time and busy schedule by ending lectures and recitations promptly at the official time (50 minutes after the hour). In return, I ask that you be in class, prepared, and ready to participate on the hour. If you need to miss a class, please communicate this to me beforehand and make any necessary arrangements to cover your absence. Participation and Respect: My classroom will be a place of civility, respect, collegiality, and learning. I encourage you to ask questions and volunteer answers. An honest attempt at an answer is better than a correct answer (we generally learn more by being wrong than right). Recitations: Recitations will be used for worked examples and exploration/extension of concepts learned in lecture. I welcome requests for specific topics or examples. [Last update: Aug 19, 2009]