2021-2022 / SPAT0079-1

Exoplanets

Duration

10h Th

Number of credits

 Specialised master in cosmos exploration1 crédit 

Lecturer

Olivier Absil

Language(s) of instruction

English language

Organisation and examination

Teaching in the first semester, review in January

Schedule

Schedule online

Units courses prerequisite and corequisite

Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program

Learning unit contents

Since the discovery in 1995 of the first planet outside our solar system, exoplanetology has made tremendous progress and has become a major subject in astrophysics. In this course, we will discuss the different techniques used to detect exoplanets. We will review the various instruments and telescopes that have detected these exoplanets, as well as plans for the coming years and decades, both from the ground and in space. We will also study the properties of known exoplanets, which display unexpected diversity in terms of their size, mass, and atmospheric composition. Finally, we will discuss the habitability of exoplanets, a rapidly expanding field of research.

Learning outcomes of the learning unit

This course aims to provide a synthesis of current knowledge in the field of exoplanets. At the end of the course, the student will be able to understand and describe the formation and evolution of planetary systems, the exoplanet detection methods, the main properties of the discovered exoplanets, as well as the questions of habitability. The course will provide the basic knowledge necessary to effectively address and comment on current issues related to exoplanets.

Prerequisite knowledge and skills

None

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

Oral courses and seminars. A slide show will be used and made available to students.

Mode of delivery (face to face, distance learning, hybrid learning)

Face-to-face course


Additional information:

If necessary, remote teaching can be considered.

Recommended or required readings

The lecture notes (slides) will be made available after the courses.

Assessment methods and criteria

Exam(s) in session

Any session

- In-person

oral exam


Additional information:

The assessment will be organized during an oral examination where the student will answer two questions on the course, drawn at random from a list of questions submitted to students a few weeks in advance.

Work placement(s)

Organizational remarks

6 courses of 1h40 each, Q1, Thursday afternoons, 13h30-15h30

Contacts

Dr Olivier Absil (olivier.absil@uliege.be)