Course Syllabus

PHY4905: Modern Astrophysics
Fall 2025

NOTE: This course complies with all UF academic policies. For information on those policies and for resources for students, please see UF's "Academic Policies and Resources" web page.

I. General Information

Meeting days and times: MWF 12:50pm -- 1:40pm
Class location: NPB 1200

Instructor:
     Name: Imre Bartos
     Office Building/Number: NPB 2025
     Phone: (352) 392 3582
     Email: imrebartos@ufl.edu
     Office Hours: WF 1:55pm -- 2:45pm

Course Description
The course will introduce students to open questions in astrophysics and current research, and the observational means to address these questions. Astrophysics underwent a complete transformation in the past 15 years, with the construction of large-scale, state-of-the art observatories enabling the first detection of gravitational waves, extragalactic neutrinos, and extremely energetic photons. The first discovery of black hole collisions, neutron star mergers, or a kilonova, also happened in this period. We will overview these developments across a broad swath of astrophysics, focusing on not just the discoveries themselves but also the scientific process that leads to these achievements. The course will roughly cover the following topics:

• Stellar life and death (possible ends of stellar life cycles, including white dwarfs, core collapse, and disintegration)
• Neutron Stars (what neutron stars are, how they are formed, and their properties. Neutron star equation of state)
• Black holes (what black holes are, how they are formed, and their properties. Schwarzschild radius, spin, charge, mass, hair)
• Supernovae (types, explosion mechanisms, emission properties, remnants)
• Accretion (gas accretion onto black holes or neutron stars. Origin of accreted gas, geometry (Bondi/disk))
• Astrophysical particle acceleration (relativistic outflows and how they accelerate particles. Cosmic rays, gamma rays, neutrinos)
• Gamma-ray bursts (history, properties, populations)
• The high-energy Universe (what has been observed, observational techniques, open questions. Cosmic rays, gamma rays, high-energy neutrinos)
• Gravitational waves (detection, astrophysical origin)
  
• Multi-messenger astrophysics (the exploration of the Universe through combining information from a multitude of cosmic messengers: electromagnetic radiation, gravitational waves, neutrinos and cosmic rays)

We will discuss each of these topics consecutively throughout the semester (see the weekly schedule under Modules). Each of these categories will introduce you to our present knowledge of them, their connection with each other and current open questions. We will also discuss the modern observatories involved in furthering our knowledge of these areas.

One homework problem will be given for each of these topics. These problems will let you explore quantitatively a key feature / observation of the discussed topic and aim to give you a "sense of scales" involved---a critical research tool for astrophysicists. Each homework problem will build on the material we cover during the lectures. Homework will make up 60% of the final grade and is therefore a main deliverable. Another key deliverable will be a research style seminar given by each of you at the end of the course, where we will think through how these presentations need to be given, and what are the key elements worth paying attention to.

Prerequisites
N/A.

General Education Designation: none.

Course Materials

• Canvas

Materials will be available through the following means: Canvas

Materials Fee: N/A

II. Course Goals

Course Objectives
In this course we will:

• Develop an understanding of the life cycles of stars and their possible endpoints (white dwarfs, neutron stars, black holes).

• Examine the physical properties of compact objects, including neutron star structure and black hole characteristics (mass, spin, charge).

• Explore the mechanisms and observational signatures of stellar explosions (supernovae, kilonovae, gamma-ray bursts).

• Analyze the processes of gas accretion and particle acceleration in extreme astrophysical environments.

• Investigate the origin and detection of high-energy cosmic messengers (cosmic rays, gamma rays, neutrinos, and gravitational waves).

• Learn how multi-messenger astronomy combines different observational channels to address open questions in astrophysics.

• Gain familiarity with modern astronomical observatories and detection techniques at the frontier of astrophysics.

• Practice quantitative reasoning by solving problems that provide a “sense of scale” for astrophysical phenomena.

• Develop skills in scientific communication by preparing and delivering a research-style seminar.

• Cultivate an appreciation for the evolving nature of astrophysical research and the process that leads to major discoveries.

Student Learning Outcomes

By the end of the semester, students will have an understanding of some of the main, actively researched topics in astrophysics. They will learn where the frontiers are, where the field is going, and will gain familiarity with some of the major recent discoveries. Students will have an overview of modern observational tools, which is critical in understanding what future observations are feasible and what statistical certainty we can have in future measurements. Additionally, at the end of the semester students will be prepared to better absorb and communicate scientific work as researchers encounter it, a skill critical not just in research but in data-related problem solving in general.

III. Graded Work

Graded Components
(%):

Homework (6% each, 60% total)

Final research presentation (40%)

TOTAL: 100%

Grading Scale

Note: A minimum grade of C is required to earn General Education credit.

IV. Calendar

V. Procedure for Conflict Resolution

Any classroom issues, disagreements or grade disputes should be discussed first between the instructor and the student. If the problem cannot be resolved, please contact Prof. Jeff Andrews (jeffrey.andrews@ufl.edu, 352.846.3132). Be prepared to provide documentation of the problem, as well as all graded materials for the semester. Issues that cannot be resolved departmentally will be referred to the University Ombuds Office (http://www.ombuds.ufl.edu; 352-392-1308) or the Dean of Students Office (http://www.dso.ufl.edu; 352-392-1261).