Study Programmes 2015-2016
SPAT0065-1  
Introduction to Astronomy
Duration :
20h Th, 10h Pr
Number of credits :
Bachelor in mathematics3
Bachelor in mathematics3
Lecturer :
Grégor Rauw
Language(s) of instruction :
French language
Organisation and examination :
Teaching in the first semester, review in January
Units courses prerequisite and corequisite :
Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program
Course contents :
Astronomy and mathematics share a long common history. Indeed, a number of mathematical tools were developed in the framework of astronomical research and were then extended to other applications. In addition, astronomy and astrophysics benefit from new mathematical theories. This course builds on the synergy between both disciplines. 
The course will develop a series of key topics:
  • Introduction : a brief history of astronomy, the Universe seen from spaceship Earth (day/night cycles, seasons, fixed stars and planets,...).
  • Light, the celestial messenger : rough description of the electromagnetic spectrum, Doppler effect, observational techniques,...
  • Planetary systems : Kepler's laws and their link to gravity, content of the Solar System, exo-planetray systems (methods of detection and characterization,...), formation and evolution of planetary systems.
  • Our cosmic neighbourhood : measuring the distances of stars, the structure of the Galaxy, magnitudes, Hertzsprung-Russell diagram and a rough description of stellar evolution, nebulae and the interstellar medium,...
  • The Universe at large : galaxies (types, clusters,...), large-scale structures, the Big Bang and the standard model, understanding black holes,...
These concepts are illustrated through a series of tutorial sessions where the students discover how geometry, trigonometry, calculus and statistics allow astronomers to understand the properties of the objects that make up the Universe. The questions that are addressed include:
  • What are the masses of celestial bodies?
  • What are the distances of celestial bodies?
  • What are the key properties of exo-planets?
  • How do satellites move in space?
Learning outcomes of the course :
Upon completion of this course, the student will master basic knowledge in astronomy and will be able to understand the link between mathematical tools discovered in other courses and basic astronomical techniques.
Prerequisite knowledge and skills :
Knowledge in analytical mechanics (course MECA0479-1 Analytical Mechanics O, or equivalent) and genera physics (course PHYS0971-1 General Physics III, or equivalent). Good knowledge of basic mathematical tools.
Planned learning activities and teaching methods :
Several tutotial sessions are organized to illustrate the concepts taught. 
Mode of delivery (face-to-face ; distance-learning) :
The course is delivered face-to-face. The schedule and some practical details (lecture room) are provided to the students at the beginning of the academic year.
Recommended or required readings :
Dedicated lecture notes as well as a copy of the slides will be provided to the students. Additional information (animations, links to some videos of interest, interactive self-evaluation tools,...) will be made available through eCampus. The written documents will be provided in French.
Assessment methods and criteria :
The assessment is done through a written exam consisting of
  • questions about the theory (closed book) including open questions as well as an MCQ.
  • exercises.
Emphasis is put on a deep understanding of the concepts taught.
Work placement(s) :
N/A
Organizational remarks :
N/A
Contacts :
Prof. Gregor Rauw Institut d'Astrophysique et Géophysique, Bât. B5c Allée du 6 Août, 19c 4000 Liège Tel. +32-(0)4 366 9740 e-mail: rauw@astro.ulg.ac.be