Time Schedule:
Jeremiah W Murphy
ASTR 598
Seattle Campus
Class description
The order-of-magnitude calculation is one of the most powerful tools an astrophysicist employs in his or her scientific research. If every idea is approached with painstakingly detailed calculations, then it would be impossible to make progress. Rather, it is best to estimate the relevance of each idea and reserve the detailed calculations for the most promising ones.
In this one-credit seminar, you will practice and hone your order-of-magnitude skills. The format is simple. The class will meet once per week for 90 minutes and is C/NC which will be based upon attendance and participation. There will be no homeworks nor tests. Instead, a question will be posed at the beginning of each class, and the class will collectively bracket the "truth" on the chalkboard using nothing more than our collective knowledge and order-of-magnitude estimates.
Student learning goals
General method of instruction
Recommended preparation
Class assignments and grading
