ASTR 497: Special Topics in Astronomy
Galaxy Formation and Evolution

ASTR 497

Spring 2026
TR 1:15PM
Sears 558

ssm69@case.edu
Sears 558
368-1808

Readings
Galaxy Formation & Evolution
Mo, van den Bosch, & White
Mo et al. errata | rogue internet version
and as assigned

This is a work in perpetual progress. The assigned reading will list will grow continuously, and be composed of a mix of readings from the textbook and the scientific literature.
Assigned Readings: Chapter 1, MvdBW; Thin dwarf galaxies | Very thin galaxies; Chapter 2, MvdBW; COLIBRE simulated rotation curves | Observed and simulated rotation curves; Chapter 3, MvdBW; Brief history of the road to Lambda; 21cm absorption at cosmic dwan | science version
Course Work: Course work will include problems assigned from the textbook, as written by the instructor, and will conclude with an oral presentation tantamount to a thesis proposal.

: Rotation curves and mass models of the spiral galaxy NGC 6946 (left) and the gas rich dwarf NGC 1560 (right).