Examples from Astrophysics in undergraduate teaching
Shantanu Rastogi
Department of Physics, DDU Gorakhpur University, Gorakhpur
Email: shantanu@iucaa.ernet.in

Abstract. Physics teaching requires frequent alluding to examples and real situation where a certain concept is applicable. Astrophysics provides a variety and range of phenomena that can be recalled and explained during teaching of nearly all undergraduate branches. Sometimes these examples are the only relevant examples. To make astrophysics more accessible and attractive as a future study option, incorporating examples from astronomy and astrophysics in undergraduate Physics syllabus could be of importance. Besides common examples from mechanics and gravitation some relevant examples are enumerated that can easily be used in the classroom to both explain a concept and simultaneously introduce some astrophysical phenomenon.  Some examples that could be explained or outlined are Expanding Universe in Doppler effect; stellar temperature-luminosity in blackbody radiation; gravitational lensing in image formation by converging lens; Faraday effect in polarization; Auroras and Pulsars in cyclotron; Sahaâ ionization theory; Chandrasekharâmass Limit; Fraunhoeffer absorption lines; Forbidden spectral lines etc. The existing curriculum need not be modified - atmost some tutorials may be added. Few of these are already mentioned in the syllabus of few universities.