Although the prerequisites for this class are Physics 307, Introductory Astrophysics, and Physics 455, Introductory Computational Physics, in practice you will need only basic undergraduate physics and mathematics, and no detailed prior knowledge of astronomy (although that will help). The expectation is that you now have the background to apply classical and basic quantum physics to understanding the structure and evolution of galaxies and the universe.
The textbook for this course is Observational Astrophysics, by
Robert C. Smith (Cambridge UP, Cambridge, 1995),
ISBN 0-521-27834-1. The book may be obtained by ordering through
local bookstores or
through Amazon http://www.amazon.com
Each week will cover a topical area with material selected from the textbook and with supplementary resources. The level of the text is appropriate for undergraduate students with a background in the physical sciences. Supplementary material will build on your developing skills and go to a greater depth in some interesting aspect of that topic. There will be a few problem assignments (usually made the previous Friday) to be handed in on Friday that match the classwork and reading for the week.