Courses

Spring 2022
Numerical Algorithms for Scientific Computing
Subject associations
APC 523 / AST 523 / MAE 507
A broad introduction to numerical algorithms used in scientific computing. The course begins with a review of the basic principles of numerical analysis, including sources of error, stability, and convergence. The theory and implementation of techniques for linear and nonlinear systems of equations and ordinary and partial differential equations are covered in detail. Examples of the application of these methods to problems in engineering and the sciences permeate the course material. Issues related to the implementation of efficient algorithms on modern high-performance computing systems are discussed.
Instructors
Romain Teyssier
Spring 2022
The Universe
Subject associations
AST 203
This course, whose subject matter covers the entire universe, targets the frontiers of modern astrophysics. Topics include the planets of our solar system; the search for extrasolar planets and extraterrestrial life and intelligence; the birth, life, and death of stars; black holes; the zoo of galaxies and their evolution; the Big Bang and the expanding universe; and dark matter, dark energy, and the large-scale structure of the universe. This course is designed for the non-science major and has no prerequisites past high school algebra and geometry. High school physics would be useful, but is not required.
Instructors
Anatoly Spitkovsky
Michael Strauss
Spring 2022
Topics in Modern Astronomy
Subject associations
AST 204
The solar system and planets around other stars; the structure and evolution of stars; supernovae, neutron stars, and black holes; gravitational waves; the interstellar matter; the formation and structure of galaxies; cosmology, dark matter, dark energy, and the history of the entire universe. Compared to AST 203, this course employs more mathematics and physics. Intended for quantitatively-oriented students.
Instructors
Bruce Draine
Spring 2022
Black Holes
Subject associations
AST 206 / PHY 206
Black holes are amazing: so much mass is contained in such a small region of space that nothing, not even light, can escape. In this class, we will learn to understand what black holes are, and (equally importantly) what they are not (sorry, science fiction!). We will grapple with the seeming simplicity of black holes and their weirdness. We will also study how black holes are discovered and how they give rise to some of the most astonishing phenomena in the Universe. We will cover concepts at the forefront of modern astronomy and physics and highlight the power of quantitative thinking (algebra only) and the scientific method.
Instructors
Eliot Quataert
Spring 2022
Space Physics Laboratory II
Subject associations
AST 251
The Space Physics Laboratory course provides undergraduates at all levels the opportunity to participate in a laboratory developing NASA space flight instrumentation. The courses teach space physics laboratory skills, including ultrahigh vacuum, space instrument cleanroom, mechanical, electrical, and other laboratory skills, which then allow students to propose and carry out a significant group research project in the Laboratory. The class sequence comprises two semesters with Astro 250 as a prerequisite for Astro 251, a credit bearing (P/F) course.
Instructors
David McComas
Spring 2022
Cosmology
Subject associations
AST 401 / PHY 401
A general review of extragalactic astronomy and cosmology. Topics include the properties and nature of galaxies, clusters of galaxies, superclusters, the large-scale structure of the universe, evidence for the existence of Dark Matter and Dark Energy, the expanding Universe, the early Universe, Microwave Background radiation, Einstein Equations, Inflation, and the formation and evolution of structure.
Instructors
Neta Bahcall
Spring 2022
Modern Statistics
Subject associations
SML 505 / AST 505
The course provides an introduction to modern statistics and data analysis. It addresses the question, "What should I do if these are my data and this is what I want to know"? The course adopts a model based, largely Bayesian, approach. It introduces the computational means and software packages to explore data and infer underlying parameters from them. An emphasis will be put on streamlining model specification and evaluation by leveraging probabilistic programming frameworks. The topics are exemplified by real-world applications drawn from across the sciences.
Instructors
Peter Melchior
Spring 2022
Dynamics of Stellar and Planetary Systems
Subject associations
AST 513
Review of hamiltonian mechanics and potential theory. Planetary systems: current surveys and statistics; keplerian elements; restricted 3-body problem; disturbing functions; secular approximations; resonance; tidal effects. Stellar systems: collisionless equilibira and stability; spiral density waves; dynamical frictions and dynamical relaxation; structure of the Galaxy; current surveys; the Galactic Center.
Instructors
Jeremy Goodman
Spring 2022
Seminar in Observational Astrophysics: Current Research Topics in Astrophysics
Subject associations
AST 542
Students improve their ability to give effective professional presentations, through lessons and opportunities to communicate their own research.
Instructors
Jo Dunkley
Spring 2022
General Plasma Physics II
Subject associations
AST 552
This is an introductory graduate course in plasma physics, focusing on magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) and its extension to weakly collisional or collisionless plasmas. Topics to be covered include: the equations of MHD and extended MHD, the structure of magnetic fields, static and rotating MHD equilibria and their stability, magnetic reconnection, MHD turbulence, and the dynamo effect. Applications are drawn from fusion, heliophysical, and astrophysical plasmas.
Instructors
Amitava Bhattacharjee
Hantao Ji
Spring 2022
Irreversible Processes in Plasmas
Subject associations
AST 554
Introduction to theory of fluctuations and transport in plasma. Origins of irreversibility. Random walks, Brownian motion, and diffusion; Langevin and Fokker-Planck theory. Fluctuation-dissipation theorem; test-particle superposition principle. Statistical closure problem. Derivation of kinetic equations from BBGKY hierarchy and Klimontovich formalism; properties of plasma collision operators. Classical transport coefficients in magnetized plasmas; Onsager symmetry. Introduction to plasma turbulence, including quasilinear theory. Applications to current problems in plasma research.
Instructors
Ilya Dodin
Gregory Hammett
Spring 2022
Fusion Plasmas & Plasma Diagnostics
Subject associations
AST 555
Introduction to experimental plasma physics, with emphasis on high-temperature plasmas for fusion. Requirements for fusion plasmas: confinement, beta, power and particle exhaust. Discussion of tokamak fusion and alternative magnetic and inertial confinement systems. Status of experimental understanding: what we know and how we know it. Key plasma diagnostic techniques: magnetic measurements, Langmuir probes, microwave techniques, spectroscopic techniques, electron cyclotron emission, Thomson scattering.
Instructors
Philip Efthimion
William Fox
Richard Majeski
Yevgeny Raitses
Spring 2022
Seminar in Plasma Physics
Subject associations
AST 558
Advances in experimental and theoretical studies or laboratory and naturally-occurring high-temperature plasmas, including stability and transport, nonlinear dynamics and turbulence, magnetic reconnection, selfheating of "burning" plasmas, and innovative concepts for advanced fusion systems. Advances in plasma applications, including laser-plasma interactions, nonneutral plasmas, high-intensity accelerators, plasma propulsion, plasma processing, and coherent electromagnetic wave generation.
Instructors
Stewart Prager
Allan Reiman
Spring 2022
Laboratory in Plasma Physics
Subject associations
AST 562
Develop skills, knowledge, and understanding of basic and advanced laboratory techniques used to measure the properties and behavior of plasmas. Representative experiments are: cold-cathode plasma formation and architecture; ambipolar diffusion in afterglow plasmas; Langmuir probe measurements of electron temperature and plasma density; period doubling and transitions to chaos in glow discharges; optical spectroscopy for species identification; microwave interferometry and cavity resonances for plasma density determination; and momentum generated by a plasma thruster.
Instructors
Samuel Cohen
Spring 2022
Physics of Plasma Propulsion
Subject associations
MAE 528 / AST 566
This course is an introduction to plasma propulsion with focus on mechanisms that control performance of plasma thrusters. A review of various plasma propulsion concepts and applicability to space missions; a review of fundamentals of low-temperature collisional plasmas, needed to discuss plasma propulsion before discussing the acceleration & dissipation mechanisms in Hall thrusters, magnetoplasmadynamic thrusters, pulsed plasma thrusters & inductive plasma thrusters, to derive expressions for the propulsive efficiencies of each of these concepts. The discussions are at a first-year graduate student or senior undergraduate level.
Instructors
Edgar Choueiri
Spring 2022
Introduction to Classical and Neoclassical Transport and Confinement
Subject associations
AST 568
The first half of this course intends to provide students with a systematic development of the fundamentals of gyrokinetic (GK) theory, and the second half provides students with an introduction to transport and confinement in magnetically confined plasmas.
Instructors
Hong Qin
William Tang