Astrodynamics
ASTRODYNAMICS explores dynamical processes in planetary, stellar, and galactic systems, teaching students to apply Hamiltonian mechanics, N-body methods, and resonance theories using Python and Mathematica.
Summary
What you’ll be able to do
Apply mathematical models and computational tools to solve problems in astrophysics.
Apply mathematical and computational methods to model the motion of bodies within solar systems, including planets, moons, and artificial satellites.
Model few- and many-body processes in collisional gravitational dynamics, such as chaotic few-body scatterings, relativistic inspirals, relaxation of dense stellar systems, and quasi-stationary solutions to problems in gravitational kinetic theory.
Explain the structure and dynamics of galaxies, including spiral arms, bars, and galaxy interactions, and use dynamical models to simulate these phenomena.
Build connections between mathematical and computational methods, and learn how to determine the correct model type for a particular astrophysical problem.
Communicate mathematical ideas in a written format.
Apply principles in the conduct of scientific research, including proper citation practices, acknowledgment of data sources, and collaboration. This will be assessed through the final course project.
Source: UW Guide
Grade history
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Prerequisites
Course map(MATH 319 and 340, 341, or 345) or MATH 320, and (COMP SCI 220 or ASTRON 202), or graduate/professional standing
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Professors
Spring 2027No instructors recorded for this selection.
Historical instructors & teaching patterns
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Calendar & sections
Spring 2027Schedule loads here as you scroll.
| Section | Mode | Enrolled / capacity | Waitlist |
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Times are Central. Select a meeting for details; export includes recorded dates for the selected sections.
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Student experience
the class
Explore the dynamical processes governing planets, satellites, stars, and galaxies. Learn Hamiltonian mechanics, numerical N-body methods, and resonance theories - then apply them in Python/Mathematica to model real astrophysical systems.
difficulty & workload
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Topics
- Dynamical processes governing planets, satellites, stars, and galaxies.
- Hamiltonian mechanics, numerical N-body methods, and resonance theories.
Skills
- Apply Hamiltonian mechanics, numerical N-body methods, and resonance theories to model astrophysical systems using Python and Mathematica.
- Simulate galactic structures and dynamics, such as spiral arms, bars, and interactions, using dynamical models.
Grades
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Sources & history
Catalog & offerings
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Grade history
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Explore recorded gradesRecorded 2026-10-14
Model outputs & technical records
LLM outputs across runs
Full model traces
Recorded model configuration, reasoning, and tool conversations.
Model & dataset provenance
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"requirements_status": "needs_review",
"dataset_revision": "fc1811fa52e581ea57a35c0cf3343f8740a8ffbf",
"observed_at": "2026-10-14 17:50:09.728220+00:00"
}