FY817: Introduction to Astrophysics and Cosmology (5 ECTS)

STADS: 07009601

Level
Master's level course

Teaching period
The course is offered in the autumn semester.

Teacher responsible
Email: kouvaris@cp3.dias.sdu.dk

Timetable
Show entire timetable
Show personal time table for this course.

Prerequisites:
You are not allowed to register for this course if you have passed the course FY806 Astrophysics.

Academic preconditions:
It is recommended, that FY507 Introductory quantum mechanics has been attended.

Course introduction
The aim of the course is to give an overview of the subatomic structure of matter (nuclei and elementary particles), and a basic understanding of star formation, stability and evolution. The course includes an introduction also to cosmology, the Big Bang theory and the evolution of the universe.

The course builds on the knowledge acquired in the course of FY507, and gives an academic basis for studying the topics of astrophysics and cosmology, that are part of the degree.

In relation to the competence profile of the degree it is the explicit focus of the course to:

• Give the competence to follow a general relativity course
• Give skills to do analytical and numerical calculations in astrophysics and cosmology.
• Give knowledge and understanding of basic concepts in astrophysics and cosmology

Expected learning outcome
The learning objectives of the course are that the student demonstrates the ability to:

• give an overview on an elementary level of the forces of nature governing the Universe
• explain basic reactions on the subatomic level (nuclei and elementary particles)
• understand the basics of the evolution of the universe
• explain the mechanisms governing birth, development and death of the stars

Subject overview
The following main topics are contained in the course:

• Introduction to elementary particles, fundamental forces, nuclei and nuclear models.
• Star classification, formation, stability, energy transport and evolution.
• Introduction to the Big Bang theory and evolution of the universe.

Literature

• Halliday, Resnick, Krane: Physics Vol 2, Wiley 5th ed.
• J. Christensen-Dalsgaard: Stellar Structure and Evolution, Lecture Notes, Aarhus Universitet.
• B. Ryden: Introduction to Cosmology, Addison-Wesley, 2003.

Website
This course uses e-learn (blackboard).

Prerequisites for participating in the exam
None

Assessment and marking:

1. Written exam (without exam aids). Danish 7-mark scale, internal censorship. (5 ECTS). (07009602). A closer description of the exam rules will be posted under 'Course Information' on Blackboard.

Expected working hours
The teaching method is based on three phase model.
Intro phase: 30 hours
Skills training phase: 12 hours, hereof:
 - Tutorials: 12 hours

Educational activities

Educational form
The course consists of two parts: There are 2 lectures per week (two hours each) and two hours problem solving in class.

Language
This course is taught in Danish or English, depending on the lecturer. However, if international students participate, the teaching language will always be English.

Course enrollment
See deadline of enrolment.

Tuition fees for single courses
See fees for single courses.