ASTR498D
Problem Solving
in Astrophysics
Time: M 5:00-5:50, Spring 2010
Room: CSS 1109
Prof: Cole Miller
Open through Wednesday, May 12
Class Description
This course will be based on a new book "Building Physical Intuition
in Mechanics" that is being written by Professors Doug Hamilton and
Cole Miller. The book consists of a set of 200 exercises where a
problem is posed and several possible answers are given. In most
cases, all but one of the answers can be ruled out by simple methods
including: i) checking physical units, ii) checking limits, iii)
taking advantage of symmetries, iv) simple conservation laws, and v)
estimation techniques. We will work together though the problems in
the book, building good problem solving techniques as we go. The
course is primarily designed for Juniors and Seniors majoring in
Physics and/or Astronomy, but talented Sophomores may also find the
course useful and interesting.
Class Organization
The weekly meeting will consist of a short presentation on aspects of
problem solving by the Instructor, followed by a few worked
examples. Students will work on the problems on their own outside of
class, in teams during class, and will also present solutions to the
rest of the class at the whiteboard. Grades will be
assigned based on participation (20%), graded homeworks (70%),
and the final exam (10%). You can find out your current
grade at the
What's my Grade?
site.
Send me to:
astro home page
Cole's home page