ASTR320

Theoretical Astrophysics

Prerequisite: ASTR121; and (PHYS270 and PHYS271; or PHYS273). Or permission of CMNS-Astronomy department. Application of selected physics concepts in an astrophysical context. Topics would include gravity (Keplerian motion, Virial theorem, Roche limit, dynamical friction); gas dynamics (hydrostatic equilibrium, stellar models, spiral density waves), thermodynamics and statistical physics (Boltzmann distribution, Wien displacement, convective instability, degenerate gas); atomic physics (quantum principles, H atom, permitted and forbidden lines); radiation processes (line radiation, opacity).

Spring 2026

1 review
Average rating: 5.00

Spring 2025

1 review
Average rating: 5.00

Past Semesters

2 reviews
Average rating: 4.00

2 reviews
Average rating: 4.00

0 reviews
Average rating: N/A

1 review
Average rating: 5.00

2 reviews
Average rating: 5.00

0 reviews
Average rating: N/A

0 reviews
Average rating: N/A

During the Spring 2020 and Spring 2021 semesters, students could choose to take some of their courses pass-fail mid-semester which skews grade data aggregated across multiple semesters.

Average GPA of 2.99 between 325 students*

ASTR320 Grade Distribution+-0510152025303540% of studentsABCDFWother
A-: 16%
A: 18.77%
A+: 5.23%
B-: 8.31%
B: 12.31%
B+: 12.62%
C-: 5.85%
C: 6.77%
C+: 6.15%
D-: 0.62%
D: 2.15%
D+: 0.31%
F: 1.23%
W: 3.08%
other: 0.62%
* "W"s are considered to be 0.0 quality points. "Other" grades are not factored into GPA calculation. Grade data not guaranteed to be correct.