NFYK14011U Theoretical Astrophysics
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.
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
- Category
- Hours
- Exam
- 4
- Exercises
- 28
- Lectures
- 28
- Preparation
- 146
- Total
- 206
As
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Continuing Education - click here!
- Credit
- 7,5 ECTS
- Type of assessment
- Continuous assessmentWritten examination, 4 hours under invigilationThe 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
Course information
- Language
- English
- Course code
- NFYK14011U
- Credit
- 7,5 ECTS
- Level
- Full Degree Master
- Duration
- 1 block
- Placement
- Block 1
- Schedule
- B (Mon 8-12 + Tues 13-17 + Fri 8-12)
- Course capacity
- No limit
- Continuing and further education
- Study board
- Study Board of Physics, Chemistry and Nanoscience
Contracting department
- The Niels Bohr Institute
Course responsibles
- Martin Elias Pessah (7-73766b7979676e4674686f34717b346a71)
Lecturers
Martin Pessah, 35 32 53 12, Bygning B, 01-1-Bb6
Jacob T. Frederiksen
Oliver Gressel