Introduction to astrophysics
Code: 100161Credits: 5
| Degree programme | Type | Course |
|---|---|---|
| Physics | OP | 3 |
Contact lecturer
- Name :
- Markus Gaug
- Email :
- markus.gaug@uab.cat
Teaching staff
- Lluís Font Guiteras
- Anna Campoy Ordaz
Group languages
You can consult this information at the end of the document.
Prerequisites
It is recommended to have basic knowledge of Newtonian and relativistic mechanics, thermodynamics, statistical physics, electromagnetism and optics, as well as notions of quantum physics and nuclear physics.
Objectives
On the one hand, to achieve firm knowledge at the introductory level of astronomical objects (mainly stars, compact objects, galaxies and interstellar dust) and the instrumentation used to observe them; on the other, being able to solve problems (not entirely elementary) based on that knowledge.
Learning outcomes
- Communicate complex information in an effective, clear and concise manner, either orally, in writing or through ICTs, in front of both specialist and general publics.
- Use critical reasoning, show analytical skills, correctly use technical language and develop logical arguments
- Describe the different methods for measuring astronomical distances.
- Relate the apparent and absolute magnitude of astronomical objects.
- Describe the phenomena that lead to the formation of spectral lines.
- Describe the concepts of opacity and optical depth in stellar atmospheres.
- Describe the equations of stellar structure.
- Describe the evolution of stars according to their initial mass in the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram.
- Describe solar atmosphere and the internal structure of the sun.
- Analyse the basic conditions for the development of life on planets.
- Describe the origin of chemical elements.
- Introduce the concept of dark matter and the different candidates for this.
- Analyse the general formational aspects for white dwarfs, neutron stars and black holes.
- Apply the phenomenon of gravitational lensing to determining the mass of astronomical objects.
- Use calculus and differential equations in the study of astrophysical phenomena.
- Calculate the mass and temperature of stars.
- Determine the shape of a galaxy's spiral arms.
- Work independently, take initiative itself, be able to organize to achieve results and to plan and execute a project.
- Identify situations in which a change or improvement is needed.
- Identify the social, economic and environmental implications of academic and professional activities within one's own area of knowledge.
- Explain the explicit or implicit code of practice of one's own area of knowledge.
Contents
1.- Introductory concepts (history of astrophysics, measurements of distance, stellar spectra)
2.- Astronomical instrumentation (telescopes, interferometry, spectrografs, detection of X-rays, gamma-rays, neutrinos and gravitational waves)
3.- Radiation field (specific intensity, radiative flux and pressure, radiative transport)
4.- Stars (birth, star structure, evolution and death, compact objects, binary systems)
5.- Interstellar medium and cosmic rays
6.- Galaxies (types, characteristics, dark matter, evolution, Milky Way)
7.- Clusters of galaxies and large-scale evolution
Learning activities and methodology
| Title | Hours | ECTS | Learning outcomes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Problems solving at the classroom | 14 | 0.56 | 10, 14, 15 |
| Theory lectures | 27 | 1.08 | 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 |
| Personal studying | 63.5 | 2.54 | 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 |
| Preparing and writing a report | 12 | 0.48 |
Classes of theory and problems.Group visit to Parc Astronòmic del Montsec (Àger)Assessment
Continuous assessment activities
| Title | Weight | Hours | ECTS | Learning outcomes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 partial exams, none with a weight bigger than 35% | 60% | 5 | 0.2 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 |
| Control tests during the course | 20% | 1 | 0.04 | 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 |
| Repesca: recovery of the two partial examinations | 60% | 2.5 | 0.1 | 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 |
| Preparing and writing a report | 20% | 0 | 0 | 2 |
Theoretical-practical examinations: with questions and problems about the syllabus taught in class or that the student has worked throughout the course. The examinations will be held on the dates announced for partial examinations in the exam calendar of the faculty. These examinations will have a recovery at the end of the course, for students who have not passed 35% of one examination. The global weight is 60%. It is not considered that the students who have passed the course can improve their mark by presenting themselves in the recovery exam.
Control tests and Continuous assessment during the course. Global weight of All tests: 20%. Due to its nature, this activity does not foresee any recovery exam.
Completion of 1 individual work. The weight of the work is 20%. Due to its nature, this activity does not foresee any recovery exam.
Students that have chosen single assessment (avaluació únca) have to make both partial examinations, the control tests and delivery of the individual work the same day as the second partial examination foreseen by the exam calendar of the faculty.
In order to pass the course it is mandatory to have a mark on all assessable activities and a mininum mark of 3,5 on each of the two theoretical-practical examinations.
Bibliography
- Ostlie& Carroll, \"An Introduction to Modern Stellar Astrophysics\", Addison Wesley.
- Harwit, \"Astrophysical Concepts\", Springer (3ª edición).
- Prialnik, \"An introduction to the Theory of Stellar Structure and Evolution\", Cambridge University Press.
- Shu, \"The Physical Universe: An Introduction to Astronomy\", University Science Books.
- Sparke & Gallagher, \"Galaxies in the Universe\", Cambridge University Press.
- Tyler, \"Galaxies, Structure and Evolution\", Cambridge University Press.
- Padmanabhan \"Theoretical Astrophysics\" (3 volumenes), Cambridge University Press.
Software
This subject uses the software "Stellarium" (https://stellarium.org). Some exercises and problems can be better resolved with a standard software program, e.g. python
Course groups and languages
The information provided is provisional until November 30. After this date, you will be able to consult the language of each group through this link. To access the information, you will need to enter the course CODE
| Type of teaching | Group | Language | Semester | Shift |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| (TE) Theory | 1 | Catalan | second semester | morning-mixed |
| (PAUL) Classroom practices | 1 | Catalan | second semester | morning-mixed |