AST4310 – Radiative Processes in Astrophysics

Course content

This course gives an introduction to the interpretation of electromagnetic radiation in astrophysical media, in particular stars. It covers how processes from quantum and atomic physics can create and absorb radiation, and how we can use observations and models to infer the physical properties of astronomical objects. The course has a strong computational component aimed at understanding radiation transport and reproducing common tasks used in astrophysical research to understand the properties of stars.

Learning outcome

After completing this course, you will be able to:

  • explain different processes that generate electromagnetic radiation in astronomical objects, in particular stars.
  • describe how spectral lines form in optically thick and thin media.
  • use existing databases to obtain models of stellar atmospheres and atoms.
  • write efficient numerical methods to obtain predicted spectra from models.
  • infer physical parameters from stellar spectra, such as temperature, velocity, chemical composition, and magnetic field.
  • write concise and clear peer reviews.
  • write effectively about the results of computational assignments with:

    • the use of appropriate figures.

    • concise text using domain-specific language.

    • a coherent narrative linking code, visualisations, and text.

Admission to the course

Students admitted at UiO must apply for courses in Studentweb. Students enrolled in other Master's Degree Programmes can, on application, be admitted to the course if this is cleared by their own study programme.?

If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures for international applicants.

The course has a max capacity of 25 students. Based on experience, there is generally room for everyone who applies for admission to the course within the deadline.

Bachelor’s Degree from the programme Fysikk og astronomi (bachelor) or comparable.

Overlapping courses

Teaching

Teaching extends over one semester. There are 4 hours of lectures per week and 2 hours of group sessions/tutorial exercises?each week.

It is compulsory to attend the first lecture. If you cannot attend the first lecture, please contact the course coordinator or the study administration before the lecture starts in order to get some important information about this course.

Examination

This course has?3 written assignments in the form of home exams which in total count approx. 50 %, and a final oral exam which counts approx. 50 % towards the final grade. The written assignments should be carried out in groups of 2 students, but in exceptional cases, they can be done individually or in groups of 3 students. It is mandatory to submit the written assignments and participate in the oral examination in order to pass the course. The final grade is determined after an overall assessment of the 3 assignments and the oral examination.

The written assignments are not valid for the following semesters.

Language of examination

The examination text is given in English, and you submit your response in English.

Grading scale

Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F is a fail. Read more about the grading system.

Resit an examination

Students who can document a valid reason for absence from the regular examination are offered a postponed examination at the beginning of the next semester.

Re-scheduled examinations are not offered to students who withdraw during, or did not pass the original examination.

More about examinations at UiO

You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.

Last updated from FS (Common Student System) Dec. 22, 2024 7:45:12 AM

Facts about this course

Level
Master
Credits
10
Teaching
Autumn
Examination
Autumn
Teaching language
English

Contact

Institute of Theoretical Astrophysics