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| SPAT0033-1 | Astrophysics
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| Duration : | 30h Th, 15h Pr |
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| Credits/ECTS : |
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| Holder(s) : | Pierre Magain |
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| Language : | French language |
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| Course contents : | Introductory course in astrophysics, covering the main themes, with emphasis on the evolution of ideas from antiquity to the most recent discoveries, but also on the main enigmas on the origin of the Universe, galaxies, stars and planetary systems, dark matter and dark energy, life in the Universe...
Table of contents:
1. History of astronomy
2. Our solar system: planets, satellites, comets, meteorites...
3. Stars: colours, spectra, energy sources, formation, evolution, end of life, supernovae...
4. Exoplanets, life in the Universe,SETI, UFOs...
5. Our galaxy: stars, interstellar matter, spiral arms, halo...
6. Galaxies: spirals, ellipticals, irregulars, active, quasars, black holes...
7. Cosmology: cosmological models, dark matter, dark energy, Big Bang, alternate models... |
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| Course objective : | The aims of the lecture are:
(1) to provide a basic knowledge in modern astrophysics;
(2) to give an overview of the marvels and mysteries of the Universe;
(3) to introduce the different topics which will be developed in more specialized lectures;
(4) to show how scientific theories are constructed and evolve;
(5) to develop a critical mind, to be able to judge the validity of a theory, to distinguish science from pseudo-science;
(6) to help the student develop its own opinion, by analyzing with a critical mind alternate theories. |
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| Prerequisites : | Basic knowledge of physics, at the level of bachelor in science. |
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| Workshops : | The student will present a talk of about 30 min, on a subject he can choose, provided it is linked to the contents of the course and the teacher approves it. |
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| Organization : | Theoretical lectures + student talks, first semester. |
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| Written notes : | Lecture notes in preparation.
Reference book (in french, not mandatory):
Astronomie et Astrophysique
M. Séguin and B. Villeneuve
De Boeck Université
2d edition (2002) |
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| Assessment : | Oral examination. Two questions on different chapters. |
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| Contacts : | Pierre Magain
Institut d'Astrophysique et de Géophysique, Bât. B5c, allée du 6 Août, 4000 Liège 1 (Sart Tilman).
Tél.: 04/366.97.53
E-mail : Pierre.Magain@ulg.ac.be |
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