Introduction to astrophysics

An introduction to contemporary astrophysics, with a focus on the range of physical processes which shape the universe and the objects within. You will study the generation, propagation and absorption of radiation; star and planet formation; celestial mechanics; accretion disks; interiors of stars and nucleosynthesis; post main sequence evolution; compact objects and black holes; the Milky Way; galaxies and cosmology.  Laboratory work will include analytic and computer-based exercises, involving research-grade data and numerical codes.