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| ASTR0205-2 | General astrophysics | |||||
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| Duration : | 30h Th, 5d Peda. Tr. | |||||
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| Holder(s) : | Jean Surdej | |||||
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| Course contents : | In the first part of this course of General Astrophysics, we present a brief history of the major discoveries which still form to-day the fundamental pillars of modern astrophysics. We also briefly recall how it has been possible to measure and interpret the stellar motions, the distances to stars, their luminosity, color, radius, mass, temperature, etc. The second part of this course is dedicated to astrophysical studies of extragalactic objects (galaxies, clusters, quasars, ...) and to observational cosmology (cosmic background radiation at 3K, expansion of the Universe, gravitational lens systems, ...). In the third part, we shall review modern telescopes and their instrumentation, located on the ground and in space. The principles and operation of interferometers, next generation and liquid mirror telescopes will also be addressed. The last part of the course of General Astrophysics concerns the study of radiative transfer in stellar atmospheres. We shall also show how the magic use of physical laws describing interactions between matter and electromagnetic waves allows us to unravel the physics of astronomical objects located at the very edge of the Universe. At the beginning of each lecture, various animations based either upon recent astronomical observations or numerical simulations will be used to introduce some of the basic astronomical concepts. Simple and straightforward experiments illustrating the trigonometric parallax, the measurement of stellar diameters, or the deflection of light in gravitational fields will be used to convey a didactical flavor to these astrophysics lectures. | |||||
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| Course objective : | This course of General Astrophysics provides an introduction to all research disciplines being developed at the Institute of Astrophysics and Geophysics (Liège University). This course has been designed for future physicists willing to understand and communicate with other people basic concepts of astronomy (cf. the Olbers paradox : why the night is dark?) as well as to those wishing to pursue more specialized studies in observational and/or theoretical astrophysics (cf. end-of-year thesis oriented towards astrophysics, master in space sciences, PhD in astrophysics, ...) or to become an astrophysicist. | |||||
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| Prerequisites : | None. | |||||
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| Organization : | 30 hours of theory in astrophysics will be taught during the first months of the academic year (Sart Tilman, the precise location and schedule will be known in early September). A trip and stay at the Haute-Provence Observatory will normally be organized. | |||||
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| Written notes : | Preliminary lecture notes will be distributed to one student at the end of each lecture. After reading these notes, this student will communicate his(her) remarks, suggestions, ... so that improved lecture notes will become available for the next lecture. Some reference books will also be mentioned in the lecture notes. | |||||
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| Assessment : | An oral exam (2 questions, 16 points, approximately 1h30m) will be proposed in January. Evaluation of the students will essentially be based upon his(her) understanding as opposed to his(her) memory skills. An evaluation on the active participation of the students at the Haute-Provence Observatory will be made on a total of 4 points. | |||||
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| Contacts : | J. Surdej (Professor and FNRS honorary research director): surdej@astro.ulg.ac.be O. Absil (FNRS PhD student): absil@astro.ulg.ac.be D. Mawet (FRIA PhD student): mawet@astro.ulg.ac.be J. Poels (PRODEX PhD student): poels@astro.ulg.ac.be Secretary (Mrs Caro): caro@astro.ulg.ac.be Institute of Astrophysics and Geophysics, ULg, Allée du 6 Août 17, Bât. B5c, B-4000 Sart Tilman (Liège) - Tel.: 04/366 97 83, Fax: 04-366 97 46 http://www.astro.ulg.ac.be/GRech/AEOS/ http://www.astro.ulg.ac.be/~surdej/student.html | |||||
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ULg : Students and Studies Administration - Academic Affairs
Contact : Monique Marcourt, direction A.E.E.
Date of data : 27/02/2006
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