Study Programmes 2015-2016
SPAT0063-1  
Introduction to exoplanetology
Duration :
15h Th, 5h Pr
Number of credits :
Master in space sciences (120 ECTS)2
Lecturer :
Olivier Absil, Michaël Gillon
Coordinator :
Michaël Gillon
Language(s) of instruction :
English language
Organisation and examination :
Teaching in the second semester
Units courses prerequisite and corequisite :
Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program
Course contents :
Since the end of last century, several hundreds of planets have been detected outside our solar system. The thorough characterization of a fraction of them has inaugurated a new scientific discipline, exoplanetology, i.e. planetology applied to all planetary systems of our galaxy. The purpose of the course is to provide an introduction to this young branch of astrophysics. It begins with an overview of the characteristics of our own solar system, followed by a description of the current paradigm of its formation. The dynamics of planetary systems is then discussed in the second lesson, and followed by two lessons presenting respectively the indirect and direct methods of exoplanets detection. Then comes a lesson focused on the characterization of transiting planets. The next two lessons are more theoretical and discuss the models of planetary structure and atmosphere, relating them to the observational results. Finally, the course uses the overall picture sketched by the observational results to examine the frequency of planets that harbor life and our potential ability to detect its existence.
The lesson on direct detection of exoplanets is given by Dr. Olivier Absil. The other lessons are given by Dr. Michaël Gillon.
Learning outcomes of the course :
The course objectives are to introduce the student to the physical phenomena involved in a planetary system, to the methods of detection and study of exoplanets, and to the theoretical implications of the observational results and statistics. At the end of the course, students will have a sufficient basis for a deepening of the subject via the consultation of the literature and a possible active involvement in the exoplanetology field of research.
Prerequisite knowledge and skills :
No specific prerequisite.
The optional course 'Small bodies of the solar system' represents an interesting complement to the course.
Planned learning activities and teaching methods :
The theoretical part of the course consists of 8 sessions of 2hrs each. It is complemented by two practical sessions (2hrs each) during which the student has the opportunity to analyze computer data for one or more exoplanets. At the end of the practical session, a summary report will have to be made.
Mode of delivery (face-to-face ; distance-learning) :
Face-to-face.
Recommended or required readings :
PowerPoint slides shown during the courses will be provided to the students in electronic format.
Although not mandatory, consultation of the following book in English can be seen as a good complement: Exoplanets, Sara Seager (Editor), Space Science Series, University of Arizona Press.
Assessment methods and criteria :
The final grade consists of the rating of the report made after the two practical sessions (20%) and the rating of the oral examination (80%). During the oral exam, the student is interviewed on the topic of the theoretical courses (two questions), and the assessment is based on the knowledge of theoretical concepts, their understanding, and their correct application.
Work placement(s) :
Nil
Organizational remarks :
Nil
Contacts :
Dr. Michaël Gillon. Phone: +32-(0)4 366 9743 E-mail : michael.gillon@ulg.ac.be   Dr. Olivier Absil. Phone: +32-(0)4 366 9724 E-mail: olivier.absil@ulg.ac.be
Items online :
Powerpoint presentations:
This URL links to the presentations of the previous year. Each presentation is replaced by its updated version after each lesson.