ASTR UN2001

I learned a lot of stellar astrophysics this semester. Specifically about types of star, how the conduct nuclear fusion, their surface/observable values, etc

Learned a lot about the basics of stellar astrophysics.

I feel like I learned a lot of interesting things about tools used in Astronomy, different areas of study within the field, and I enjoyed seeing the links to physics classes I'm taking.

a problem set every week. anywhere from 2-6 problems, but they are always difficult, usually you have to prove or derive a theorem. took me 3-4ish hours a week 1 midterm and 1 final exam. both are open note/open book, which was supreme. but, since they're open note, there are no simple calculation problems, most exam problems test your ability to apply concepts, not just memorize them. a lot of people did pretty poorly on the midterm because of this.

5 problem sets, takes days to do on your own, maybe a day or two to do with collaboration. Midterm, Final next to impossible.

Basics astrophysics calculations. Using calculus to solve problems. Improved python/coding skills.

I learned about absorption and emission spectra, Wien's Law, Stefan-Boltzmann Law, Planck Distribution, Nuclear Fusion, stellar structure, and stellar evolution.

Properties of stars, electromagnetic radiation, atmospheres and interiors of stars, the interstellar medium, star formation and evolution (and related processes - black holes, supernovae, core collapse, etc.), and stellar populations.

I loved Prof. Bryan! His class is very logical - you follow the textbook chapter by chapter, so if you get stuck on something you can always turn to the chapter in the book, and it's laid out. He goes in-depth into proofs and derivations, which is incredibly satisfying and engaging - he really takes it step by step, and makes it easy to follow. I would say if you are good at math and physics, the class is an easy A. If you struggle with doing derivations by yourself, you may struggle more. His office hours are incredibly accessible though, and he usually lingers after class to field questions. Overall, he is an incredibly sweet person, and clearly cares about his students' success and understanding. I would recommend this class to anyone who likes physics, astronomy, or even just math! It's a fun time, and it's too stressful.

Menou is a self purported theorist, and is fairly apt at explaining the complex systems and processes involved in this class. However, he seems to expect his students to be able to absorb the material as fast as he can, which is obviously not always the case. His class is extremely fast paced, and you cannot lag behind or else you will find that you have no idea what's going on. The problem sets are next to impossible without collaboration, and his exams have very little to do with anything that is covered by the problem sets. This class is a little too quantitative for an intro class, and it definitely should not turn off potential astrophysics majors taking their first class in the department like it did for me. I guess the redeeming thing about Menou is that he really care a lot about how you're doing in his class, and is always available to help