Astrophysical Concepts (Astronomy and Astrophysics Library)

Rating:
Summary: Comprehensive and interesting
Review: I'm currently teaching a topics class on astrophysics to a collection of (mostly) senior level non-physics majors (engineers, math majors, computer scientists, etc) and had a lot of trouble trying to find an appropriate book. There are not many which are both (a) detailed, (b) broad, and (c) at the appropriate level. Most books for undergraduates are either too focused (i.e. on cosmology) or too elementary. Most of the comprehensive books are too advanced.

This book strikes a nice balance between mathematical sophistication and generality, but it can be a little difficult to read in places, particularly for someone without a strong physics background. Since my class consists mostly of interested, advanced, non-physics majors I didn't feel that the book meshed well with my class goals. However, the book did suit *me* very well and I'm using it extensively as a source of examples, additional problems and lecture preparation.

I selected "Modern Astrophysics" by Carroll and Ostlie as the class text because it was a little more wordy and explanitory and because the "astrophysical sketch" approach taken in Harwitt's book is fine for someone who has a strong background in physics (which is, after all, the intended audience) but not "user friendly" enough for advanced students from other fields.

It was a tough choice though - this is an excellent book.

Rating:
Summary: too vague
Review: too vague, its not bad...its alright