Astrophysics I

Spring 2012

Instructor of Record: Marcus Brüggen

Course Number: 210202

Type: Mandatory for majors in Astrophysics

Place & Time: EH 2, Fri. 9:45, Fri. 11:15

Course description

This course lays the physical groundwork for a basic understanding of astrophysical processes. Starting from the fundamental principles that govern the behaviour of matter and radiation, we will study the nature of stars and galaxies. The focus of this course lies in the application of basic physical laws to astronomical objects. This course will combine lectures and interactive example classes with a special emphasis on problem-solving.

Exams and grading

There will be a final exam and continuous homework assignments consisting of up to 8 question sheets. Homework needs to be handed in by 6 pm on the due date. Late submission will lead to a non-negotiable subtraction of 25 % from the grade. The final exam will contribute 60% and the homework 40% to the final mark. There will be no midterm exam. Attendance is not compulsory.

TA: contact Georgiana Ogrean

Problem sheets

No. Topics (tentative) Problem sheet supp. info Due date
1 Quantum Processes PDF 15 Feb
2 Gas Processes PDF TBD
3 Hydrostatic equilibrium PDF TBD
4 Radiation PDF TBD
5 Interference PDF TBD
6 AGN PDF TBD
7 Revision PDF TBD

Synopsis of Lectures

Date Keywords
10 Feb Windows to the universe, Bohr model
central forces, reduced mass, 21 cm radiation, Pauli principle, Zeeman effect
strong/weak collisions
order of magnitude estimates
hydrostatic equilibrium
Lane Emden equation, quiz on kinetic theory
Newtonian cosmology, critical density
radiation (thermal, non-thermal), Planck spectrum, flux
Quiz on Black-body radiation
Wien's law, Rayleigh-Jeans limit, Wien's limit
radiation pressure, solid angle, entropy of radiation
Fraunhofer diffraction and interference, resolution limit, Fourier transforms, convolution theorem
Quiz in radiation
Radio interferometry
Active galactic nuclei
Accretion

Additional material: ISM Lecture PDF

About Units PDF

Lecture on AGN Powerpoint file

Literature

The textbooks of this course are

Marcus Bruggen