Information Package / Course Catalogue
Introduction to Astrophysics
Course Code: FİZ444
Course Type: Area Elective
Couse Group: First Cycle (Bachelor's Degree)
Education Language: Turkish
Work Placement: N/A
Theory: 3
Prt.: 0
Credit: 3
Lab: 0
ECTS: 4
Objectives of the Course

To introduce the basic physical principles necessary to understand the physical properties of stars and other celestial bodies; to provide an introduction to astrophysical analysis of data obtained from observations.

Course Content

Laws of light and radiation, spectral analysis, internal and external structure of stars, energy production mechanisms, physical properties of stars, evolution and physical interpretation of observational data.

Name of Lecturer(s)
Lec. Işıl BAŞARAN ÖZ
Learning Outcomes
1.Learn basic physical laws about the nature of light and the electromagnetic spectrum.
2.Learns the concepts of luminosity, absolute luminosity, color indices, knows the methods of determining cosmic distances and can make simple calculations.
3.Have knowledge about stellar structure, energy transport and thermonuclear reactions.
4.Explains the process of stellar evolution; defines white dwarfs, neutron stars and black holes.
5.Explains photometry and spectroscopy techniques and expresses their application areas with examples.
6.Develops the ability to prepare and present scientific presentations.
Recommended or Required Reading
1.Carroll, B. W. & Ostlie, D. A. (2017). An Introduction to Modern Astrophysics.
2.Ibanoglu, C., “Introduction to Stellar Astrophysics, Volume 2”, Ege University, Faculty of Science Publications, No. 155, 1996.
Weekly Detailed Course Contents
Week 1 - Theoretical
The scope of astrophysics and basic concepts
Week 2 - Theoretical
Light, photon energy and electromagnetic spectrum
Week 3 - Theoretical
Black body radiation, Wien and Stefan-Boltzmann laws
Week 4 - Theoretical
Luminance, absolute luminance, color indexes
Week 5 - Theoretical
Stellar structure and energy transport
Week 6 - Theoretical
Thermonuclear reactions and hydrostatic equilibrium
Week 7 - Theoretical
Stellar evolution, white dwarfs, neutron stars and black holes
Week 8 - Theoretical
Review (Midterm exam)
Week 9 - Theoretical
Observation techniques: Photometry and spectroscopy
Week 10 - Theoretical
Mass-radiation relationship, mass determination methods
Week 11 - Theoretical
Hertzsprung-Russell diagram and star classifications
Week 12 - Theoretical
Binary stars and mass transfer
Week 13 - Theoretical
Cosmic distances and distance determination methods
Week 14 - Theoretical
Scientific presentations and general evaluation
Assessment Methods and Criteria
Type of AssessmentCountPercent
Midterm Examination1%20
Final Examination1%60
Seminar1%20
Workload Calculation
ActivitiesCountPreparationTimeTotal Work Load (hours)
Lecture - Theory142370
Seminar1628
Midterm Examination1628
Final Examination112214
TOTAL WORKLOAD (hours)100
Contribution of Learning Outcomes to Programme Outcomes
PÇ-1
PÇ-2
PÇ-3
PÇ-4
PÇ-5
PÇ-6
PÇ-7
PÇ-8
PÇ-9
PÇ-10
PÇ-11
PÇ-12
PÇ-13
PÇ-14
OÇ-1
5
4
3
2
1
2
1
1
1
3
1
2
5
1
OÇ-2
4
4
4
3
2
2
1
1
2
3
1
2
5
1
OÇ-3
5
4
3
3
1
1
1
1
1
2
1
2
5
1
OÇ-4
5
4
3
2
1
1
1
1
1
2
1
2
5
1
OÇ-5
4
4
3
3
2
2
4
2
3
3
2
3
5
2
OÇ-6
2
1
2
3
4
3
2
5
5
4
3
3
3
2
Adnan Menderes University - Information Package / Course Catalogue
2026