Modern Astrophysics
MIT OpenCourseWare's Modern Astrophysics applies Newtonian, statistical, and quantum mechanics to the physical processes that shape stars and galaxies. Lecture notes and problem sets work through main-sequence stellar structure, then move to collapsed stars including white dwarfs, neutron stars, and black holes, along with pulsars and supernovae. Later material covers the interstellar medium and galaxies, extending to active galaxies, quasars, and cosmology as time allows. Observational data is brought in throughout to connect the theoretical framework to actual measurements of stellar and galactic properties. The course is delivered as a full MIT OCW package: syllabus, lecture notes, and assignments, free to access with no certificate offered. It suits students who already have a physics background and want to see how core mechanics courses apply to astrophysical objects.