Astrophysics I

Spring 2010

Instructor of Record: Marcus Brüggen

Course Number: 210202

Type: Mandatory for majors in Astrophysics

Place & Time: WH 2, Mon. 8:15, Wed. 9:45

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.

GeoAstro help desk: contact Georgiana Ogrean

Problem sheets

No. Topics (tentative) Problem sheet supp. info Due date
1 Quantum Processes PDF 15 Feb
2 Gas Processes PDF 22 Feb
3 Hydrostatic equilibrium PDF 8 Mar
4 Radiation PDF 22 Mar
5 Interference PDF 12 Apr
6 AGN PDF 26 Apr
7 Revision PDF 3 May

Synopsis of Lectures

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

Additional material: ISM Lecture PDF

About Units PDF

Lecture on AGN Powerpoint file

Literature

The textbooks of this course are

Marcus Bruggen