Introduction to Astrophysics

Recommended Prerequisites

Mathematical Analysis I, General Physics I and II, Foundations of Modern Physics.

Teaching Methods

Presentation of the different topics illustrated with practical applications.

Learning Outcomes

Problem solving skills.
Theoretical understanding of physical problems.
Enhanced general knowledge of physics.
Learning capacity.
Capacity to find and use bibliographical references.
In particular:
- Understanding of the physical processes governing the evolution of planets, stars and galaxies.
- Capacity to understand the foundations of the cosmological model and the observational data which lend support to it.
- Acquisition of the necessary bases to analyze critically new developments in astrophysics and cosmology.

Generic skills:
Competence in oral and written communication;
Competence in information management;
Competence to solve problems;
Competence in critical thinking;
Competence to communicate with people who are not experts in the field;
Competence in independent learning;
Adaptability to new situations;
Competence to apply in practice the theoretical knowledge.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

1- Astrophysical tools: celestial mechanics; the continuous spectrum of light; special relativity; interaction of light with matter; measuring distances in the universe.
2- The nature of stars: properties of stars; stellar structure, formation and evolution; the sun; the death of stars; variable stars and exploding stars; compact stars and black holes.
3- The solar system: physical processes; terrestrial and giant planets; the formation of the solar system.
4- Galaxies and the universe: the Milky Way; interstellar medium; structure of the galaxies; classification and properties of galaxies; galactic evolution; large scale structure of the universe; active galaxies and quasars.
5- Cosmology: cosmological models; determination of the cosmological parameters.
6- The young universe: cosmological expansion; primordial nucleosynthesis; inflationary theories.

Head Lecturer(s)

Alex Heinz Ladislaus Blin

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Exam: 100.0%

Bibliography

CARROLL, Bradley W.; OSTLIE, Dale A. (1996). An Introduction to Modern Astrophysics. Addison Wesley.

PEACOCK, J. A. (2000). Cosmological Physics. Cambridge University Press.