NFYK14018U Computational Astrophysics: Star and Planet Formation
MSc Programme in Physics
MSc Programme in Physics with a minor subject
The course gives an introduction to contemporary computational astrophysics, and covers both technical aspects, in particular efficient code development and parallelization, methods including fluid and particle dynamics, gravitational collapse, radiative energy transfer, and an overview of computational models for microphysical processes, such as cooling, heating, dust dynamics, and astrochemistry. The course exercises introduce and illustrate these concepts, and give a “hands-on” feeling for how and in what context they are used. During the course exercises the students will build a highly modular yet simple core program, which includes most of the methods covered in the lectures.
Skills
- Modeling the dynamics of the interstellar medium
- Modeling gravitational collapse
- Solving the radiation transfer equation
- Using radiative transfer in connection with analysis and modeling of observations
- Modeling dust dynamics and gas-dust interaction
- Reporting on current theories and models of star and planet formation.
Knowledge
The student will come to know the fundamental equations that
govern astrophysical gas dynamics, including radiative energy
transfer and coupled gas-dust dynamics. In addition the
student will achieve knowledge of the basic computational
techniques used in modern astrophysics including the
principles of adaptive mesh refinement techniques and particle
methods.
Competences
The course gives basic competences in numerical modelling, and will
establish a foundation for a M.Sc. project based on numerical
modelling.
See Absalon for final course material. The following is an example of expected course literature.
P. Bodenheimer, G. P. Laughlin, M. Rozyczka, T. Plewa, H. W. Yorke: “Numerical Methods in Astrophysics”. Complemented with lecture notes.
Academic qualifications equivalent to a BSc degree is recommended.
- Category
- Hours
- Lectures
- 28
- Preparation
- 92
- Theory exercises
- 28
- Project work
- 28
- Exam
- 30
- Total
- 206
- Credit
- 7,5 ECTS
- Type of assessment
- Continuous assessmentWritten assignment, 4 daysThe exam consists of two parts:
The continuous part of the evaluation, wich consists of 2-3 exercises per week, counts for 70% of the final grade. The student must have turned in at least 60% of the weekly exercises.
A written 4-day report (Monday to Thursday) with an oral defense (Friday) counts for 30% of the final grade. - Marking scale
- 7-point grading scale
- Censorship form
- No external censorship
two internal examiners; the course responsible and an internal censor.
- Re-exam
The re-exam consists of two parts: A 4-day report (Monday to Thursday) with an oral defense (Friday) counting for 30% of the grade. New solutions to the weekly exercies can be handed in to cover the continuous part of the evaluation (70%) no later than 2 weeks before the start of the 4-day report.
Criteria for exam assesment
see learning outcome
Course information
- Language
- English
- Course code
- NFYK14018U
- Credit
- 7,5 ECTS
- Level
- Full Degree Master
- Duration
- 1 block
- Placement
- Block 2
- Schedule
- A
- Course capacity
- no limitation
- Course is also available as continuing and professional education
- Study board
- Study Board of Physics, Chemistry and Nanoscience
Contracting department
- The Niels Bohr Institute
Contracting faculty
- Faculty of Science
Course Coordinators
- Troels Haugbølle (haugboel@nbi.ku.dk)