Duration
Introduction to atmospheric physics : 37h Th
Space environment : 15h Th
Number of credits
| Master MSc. in Aerospace Engineering, professional focus in aerospace engineering | 5 crédits |
Lecturer
Introduction to atmospheric physics : Denis Grodent
Space environment : Denis Grodent
Coordinator
Language(s) of instruction
English language
Organisation and examination
Teaching in the first semester, review in January
Schedule
Units courses prerequisite and corequisite
Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program
Learning unit contents
Introduction to atmospheric physics
Denpending on the number of scheduled lessons
Atmosphere of the Earth
Chapter I: Atmospheric structure
-Hydrostatic equilibrium
-Thermal structure
-Convection, radiation, conduction
Chapter II: Interactions of Solar radiation with the atmosphere
-Solar radiation spectrum
-Variability of the Sun's emissions
-Radiative transfer equation and applications Energy balance and climate
-Greenhouse effect
Chapter III: Photochemical processes and composition
-Photochemical action of radiation Photochemistry of the atmosphere Ozone: production and destruction
Chapter IV: Atmospheric transport
-General equations of the atmospheric structure Molecular and turbulent vertical diffusion
Chapter V: The Ionosphere
-Formation and structure Chemical composition Neutrality and electric field
The "Space environment" part is described in version SPAT0048-B-a and will likely start in November.
Space environment
Space Environment (Introduction to Space Weather)
Chapter I : The solar wind
Chapter II : The geomagnetic field
Chapter III : The magnetosphere
Chapter IV : Charged particles motions
Chapter V : Storms and aurorae
Learning outcomes of the learning unit
Introduction to atmospheric physics
This course is meant to provide students with basic concepts of atmospheric physiccs and space environment. The common thread of the course is the vertical thermal profile of Earth's atmosphere. At the end of the course, students should be able to explain the overal shape of this thermal profile and to link it with the chemical composition and the energy balance of the atmosphere. They will learn how atmosphere evolves in time and space.
This course contributes to the following (standard) learning outcomes:
- Master the concepts, principles and laws of the basic sciences (mathematics, physics, chemistry, computing, etc.).
- Demonstrate autonomy in their learning. In particular, be able to appropriate and synthesise scientific and technical information from a variety of sources (ex-cathedra presentations, literature, references, technical manuals and documentation, online resources, etc.).
- Formalise, model and conceptualise a scientific or technical problem related to or inspired by a complex real-life situation in a rigorous language, for example using mathematical or computer language, in order to obtain results. Be capable of abstraction.
- Analyse hypotheses and results critically and compare them with practical reality, taking account of uncertainties.
- Apply advanced aeronautical and/or space technology techniques to the fields of propulsion and turbomachinery, theoretical and experimental aerodynamics, flight mechanics, aerospace structures, satellite engineering, atmospheric physics and space instrumentation.
- Work independently.
- Present/defend scientific or technical results orally, using codes and means of communication appropriate to the audience and the context of the communication.
Space environment
This course is meant to provide students with basic concepts space environment. At the end of the course, students will have acquired the basics of Earth's magnetic environment, of the radiation belts and the cosmic rays, of solar activity and its impact on space environment. With this knowledge, it will be possible to understand and to take into account the constraints imparted by space environment on Earth orbit and interplanetary space missions, particularly at the level of the design of space instruments.
This course contributes to the following (standard) learning outcomes:
- Master the concepts, principles and laws of the basic sciences (mathematics, physics, chemistry, computing, etc.).
- Demonstrate autonomy in their learning. In particular, be able to appropriate and synthesise scientific and technical information from a variety of sources (ex-cathedra presentations, literature, references, technical manuals and documentation, online resources, etc.).
- Formalise, model and conceptualise a scientific or technical problem related to or inspired by a complex real-life situation in a rigorous language, for example using mathematical or computer language, in order to obtain results. Be capable of abstraction.
- Analyse hypotheses and results critically and compare them with practical reality, taking account of uncertainties.
- Apply advanced aeronautical and/or space technology techniques to the fields of propulsion and turbomachinery, theoretical and experimental aerodynamics, flight mechanics, aerospace structures, satellite engineering, atmospheric physics and space instrumentation.
- Work independently.
- Present/defend scientific or technical results orally, using codes and means of communication appropriate to the audience and the context of the communication.
Prerequisite knowledge and skills
Introduction to atmospheric physics
Good knowledge of general physics and its mathematical tools.
Space environment
Good knowledge of general physics and its mathematical tools.
It is highly recommended to first take the course "Atmosphere of the Earth" (SPAT0048-C-a, or SPAT0055).
Planned learning activities and teaching methods
Mode of delivery (face to face, distance learning, hybrid learning)
Introduction to atmospheric physics
Face-to-face course
Further information:
Mainly face-to-face, powerpoint-type presentations.
A recorded version (MP4) of all lectures is available on Vimeo (links provided).
Space environment
Face-to-face course
Further information:
Mainly face-to-face, powerpoint-like presentations.
A recorded version (MP4) of all lectures is available on Vimeo (links provided).
Course materials and recommended or required readings
Introduction to atmospheric physics
Platform(s) used for course materials:
- eCampus
Further information:
Printed course notes (facultative) are available in french only.
Presentations updated during the year can be downloaded in PDF format from eCampus.
Space environment
Platform(s) used for course materials:
- eCampus
Further information:
Presentations updated during the year can be downloaded in PDF format from eCampus.
Reference book (optional):
"Understanding Space Weather and the Physics Behind It" D.J. Knipp, 2011, McGraw-Hill, ISBN-13: 978-0-07-340890-3
Introduction to atmospheric physics
Exam(s) in session
Any session
- In-person
oral exam
Further information:
The exams are mainly meant to test the ability of the students to understand the physics behind the equations.These exams also appraise the overall knowledge of the course and the ability to link the different chapters.
Oral exam on the different lessons. The procedure will be explained in detail at the start of the course.
In case of remote oral examination, use of MS Teams (backup solution).
Space environment
Exam(s) in session
Any session
- In-person
oral exam
Further information:
The exams are mainly meant to test the ability of the students to understand the physics behind the equations.These exams also appraise the overall knowledge of the course and the ability to link the different chapters.
In case of remote oral examination, use of MS Teams (backup solution).
Work placement(s)
Organisational remarks and main changes to the course
Introduction to atmospheric physics
It is highly recommended to attend the face-to-face classes.
There may be some slight differences between the actual face-to-face lessons and the corresponding videos.
Space environment
It is highly recommended to attend the face-to-face classes.
There may be some slight differences between the actual face-to-face lessons and the corresponding videos.
Contacts
Introduction to atmospheric physics
Prof Denis Grodent
Laboratory for Planeatary and Atmospheric Physics
Space sciences, Technologies and Astrophysics Research (STAR) Institute
Universite´ de Lie`ge
Institut d'Astrophysique et de Ge´ophysique Quartier AGORA (B5c)
Alle´e du Six Aou^t, 19C
B-4000 Lie`ge, Belgium
d.grodent@uliege.be
Office: B5c (Astrophysique et Géophysique) - 0/5
Space environment
Prof Denis Groden
Laboratory for Planeatary and Atmospheric Physics
Space sciences, Technologies and Astrophysics Research (STAR) Institute
Universite´ de Lie`ge
Institut d'Astrophysique et de Ge´ophysique Quartier AGORA (B5c)
Alle´e du Six Aou^t, 19C
B-4000 Lie`ge, Belgium
d.grodent@uliege.be
Office: B5c (Astrophysique et Géophysique) - 0/5