NFYK14011U Theoretical Astrophysics

Volume 2014/2015
Content

This fundamental course provides an overview of some of the most important astrophysical processes that shape the evolution, and observational properties, of astrophysical systems, from planets to stars, and from supermassive black holes to entire galaxies.  The course is strongly recommended for all students starting at the M.Sc. and Ph.D. levels in preparation for their further study and research in any area of astrophysics, including planetary sciences and cosmology.  We will cover the basic equations, learn how to solve them, and understand their implications.  This course will provide students with a wide range of interests in observational, theoretical, or computational astrophysics with a valuable toolkit to become more competent researchers.

Content: This course gives an introduction to, and builds upon, the following subjects:

  • Order of magnitude astrophysics, fundamental concepts and equations.
  • Radiative processes: basic radiative transfer, absorption, scattering.
  • Hydrodynamics: fundamental equations, waves, instabilities, shocks.
  • Magnetohydrodynamics: fundamental equations, waves, instabilities.
  • Gravity: orbital dynamics, self-gravitating fluids.
  • Astrophysical flows: disks, jets, and winds.
Learning Outcome

Skills:
When the course is finished, it is expected that the student is able to:

  • Identify the physical processes involved in a given astrophysical setting.
  • Carry out order of magnitude calculations to support physical intuition.
  • Solve basic problems involving radiative transfer, wave propagation, instabilities, and shocks in hydrodynamics and magnetohydrodynamics.

Knowledge:
When the course is finished, it is expected that the student is able to:

  • Explain the basic astrophysical processes covered by the course content
  • Explain how these processes act together to dictate the dynamics of astrophysical flows such as self-gravitating fluids, disk, winds, and jets.

Competences:
This course will endow the students with a powerful set of tools that will allow them to work more confidently on a wide variety of subjects in astrophysics. The competences acquired in this course are a valuable complement to those obtained in observational and phenomenological astrophysics courses. These competences are an indispensable asset for students wishing to pursue studies in any branch of astrophysics. This course provides the students with the background knowledge to pursue research in this field and is an excellent preparation for a M.Sc. project.

The textbook for the course will be announced during the summer. Select chapters from other books will be referred to during the course as needed. The interested students will benefit from having access to:

  • Theoretical Astrophysics. Vol. 1., Astrophysical Processes.
    T. Padmanabhan. Cambridge University Press. 2000.
  • The Physics of Fluids and Plasmas, An Introduction to Astrophysics.
    A. R. Chouduri. Cambridge University Press. 1998.
  • Theoretical Astrophysics, An Introduction
    M. Bartelmann, Wiley-VCH, 2013
Students will benefit from being acquainted with basic concepts in Calculus, Mechanics, Electrodynamics, and Statistical Physics.
Lectures, analytical and computer exercises.
  • Category
  • Hours
  • Exam
  • 4
  • Exercises
  • 28
  • Lectures
  • 28
  • Preparation
  • 146
  • Total
  • 206
Credit
7,5 ECTS
Type of assessment
Continuous assessment
Written examination, 4 hours under invigilation
The exam consists of two parts:
Continuous assessment through weekly assignments. (25% of final grade)
4-hour written exam (75% of final grade)
Aid
Only certain aids allowed

Notes from class, the textbook Theoretical Astrophysics by T. Padmanabhan and a pocket calculator
 

Marking scale
7-point grading scale
Censorship form
No external censorship
several internal examiners
Re-exam
4-hour written exam
Criteria for exam assesment

see learning outcome