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| ASTR0004-2 | Astrophysics and Space Techniques
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| Duration : | 30h Th, 15h Pr, 5d Peda. Tr. |
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| Number of credits : |
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| Lecturer : | Jean Surdej |
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Language(s) of instruction :
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| French language |
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Organisation and examination :
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| Teaching in the first semester, examination in June with partial in January |
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Course contents :
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| In this course of Astronomy and space techniques, we introduce all the necessary concepts that enable us to understand the basic observational data, the structure and the evolution of galactic objects (stars, ...), of extragalactic ones (galaxies, clusters, quasars, ...) as well as modern ground-based and space telescopes as well as their instrumentation. This course has been designed for future engineers 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 astrophysics (cf. end-of-year thesis oriented towards astrophysics, master in space sciences, PhD in astrophysics, ...) or a future career in this field.
In the first part of this course, we present the theory of gravitational lenses and mirages and explain how these can be used to derive astrophysical and cosmological parameters.
The second part of this course is dedicated to a good understanding of modern telescopes and their instrumentation, located on the ground and in space. The principles and operation of infra-red, optical (cf. the ESO VLTI), sub-millimeter (ALMA) and radio (VLTI and VLBA) interferometers, large future telescopes (OWL, ELTs) and liquid mirror telescopes will also be reviewed in detail. Visits and training sessions will be organized either at the Haute-Provence Observatory (France), the Caussols observatory near Grasse (France) or the European Space Agency (Noordwijk, Holland).
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 flavour to these astrophysics lectures. |
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Learning outcomes of the course :
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| This course of astrophysics shows how the simple use of the physical laws established on the Earth enables one to understand the origin, the history and the evolution of the Universe and of its major constituents.
At the end of this course, the students will have improved their critical sense and developed some skills for research. |
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Prerequisites and co-requisites/ Recommended optional programme components :
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| None |
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Planned learning activities and teaching methods :
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| 15 hours of practical exercises and the equivalent of 5 days of training and/or visits of research institutions (either the Haute-Provence Observatory in France, the Caussols observatory near Grasse (France) or the European Space Agency in Noordwijk - Holland) will be organized during the academic year. Several research assistants will participate to these practical exercises, training and visits. |
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Mode of delivery (face-to-face ; distance-learning) :
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| 30 hours of theory in astrophysics will be taught during the first months of the academic year (Sart Tilman, room 3.45, Bldg. B5a). |
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Recommended or required readings :
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| Preliminary lecture notes are accessible via the link http://www.aeos.ulg.ac.be/teaching.php
Some reference books are also mentioned in the lecture notes. |
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Assessment methods and criteria :
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| An oral exam (2 questions, 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. |
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Work placement(s) :
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| 5 days of training and/or visits of research institutions (either the Haute-Provence Observatory in France, the Caussols observatory near Grasse (France) or the European Space Agency in Noordwijk - Holland) will be organized during the academic year. Several research assistants will participate to these practical exercises, training and visits. |
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Organizational remarks :
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| None. |
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Contacts :
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| J. Surdej (Full Professor and F.R.S.-FNRS honorary research director) surdej@astro.ulg.ac.be
Olivier Absil (F.R.S.-FNRS Research Associate) Absil@astro.ulg.ac.be
Lindsay Marion (FRIA PhD student) Lindsay.Marion@ulg.ac.be
Maxime Devogèle (ULg assistant) Devogele@astro.ulg.ac.be(Ricci@astro.ulg.ac.be
Secretary (Mrs Sylvia Grandjean) )Sylvia.Grandjean@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 or 9755, Fax: 04-366 97 46 http://www.aeos.ulg.ac.be |
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| Items online : |
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| Preliminary lecture notes |
| Videos of the lectures are accessible via Orbi. Lecture notes as well as the "power-point" presentations projected during each lecture are accessible in the form of PDF and/or PPS files via the link: |
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