Course guide of Astrophysics (26711B2)

It is recommended to have taken the following courses:

• Electromagnetism
• Optics
• Statistical physics
• Compulsory courses in year 1 and 2

Furthermore, it is recommended to know Fundamentals in astrophysics and Atomic and molecular physics.

In the case the IA tools are used for the development of the course, the student must make an ethical and responsible use of these tools. The recommendations contained in the document "Recomendaciones para el uso de la inteligencia artificial en la UGR" that can be found in the following link: https://ceprud.ugr.es/formacion-tic/inteligencia-artificial/recomendaciones-ia#contenido0

Stellar atmospheres, stellar evolution, interstellar medium, properties of galaxies, large scale structure, cosmology.

• Ability to use the knowledge acquired in different areas in a multidisciplinary field.
• Understanding stellar physics and the evolution of stars.
• Understanding astrophysics of galaxies and the interstellar medium.
• Understanding the different cosmological models.
• Get prepared for astrophysical research.
• Knowledge of the techniques of data acquisition and interpretation of astronomical data.
• Get familiar with astrophysical modelling techniques.

• Topic 1: Radiative transport in stellar atmospheres. Radiative transport equation. Formal solution. Local thermodynamical equilibrium (LTE). Diffusion approximation. Other solutions. Formation of spectral lines. Non-LTE.
• Topic 2: Stellar structure, evolution and nucleosynthesis. Characteristic stellar time-scales. Thermonuclear reactions. Energy transport in stars. Equations of stellar structure. Star formation and evolution. Compact objects and supernovae.
• Topic 3: Morphology and classification of galaxies, The Hubble classification of galaxies. Other classifications. The Milky Way. Interstellar medium: HI and HII regions, molecular clouds.
• Topic 4: Galactic dynamics. Rotation curve of spiral galaxies and dark matter. Stellar motion in galaxies. Lindblad resonances. Spiral arms and bars. Formation and evolution of galaxies.
• Topic 5: Large scale structure of the Universe. The Local Group. Galaxy clusters. Interaction of galaxies. Superclusters. Large scale structure of the universe.
• Topic 6: Cosmology. Cosmological models and equations. The Big Bang: inflation and primordial nucleosynthesis. Cosmic microwave background. Acceleration of the expansion of the Universe. Cosmological parameters: Inventory of matter and energy.

Seminars

• Seminars given by professionals about current topics of interest in astrophysics.

Practical sessions and problems: One or several of the practical sessions will be carried out by the students.

Practical session 1. Determination of the distance and age of stellar clusters.

Practical session 2. Calculation of models of the stellar structure of ZAMS.

Practical session 3. Simulations of stellar evolution

Practical session 4. The distance-redshift relation of Hubble-Lemaitre.

Practical session 5. Large scale structure of the universe.

Practical session 6. Galaxy dynamics and dark matter.

Problems and exercises related to the theoretical content of the lectures

• Binney, J., Merrifield, M.: Galactic Astronomy. Princeton University Press.
• Böhm-Vitense, E.: Introduction to Stellar Astrophysics (Vol. 1-3). Cambridge University Press
• Bowers, R. Deeming, T.,: Astrophysics Vol. I & II. Jones and Bartlett Publishers Inc.
• Carroll, B.W., Ostlie, D.A.: “An introduction to Modern Astrophysics”. Addison-Wesley Publishing Company
• Clayton, D.D.: Principles of Stellar Evolution and Nucleosynthesis. University Chicago Press.
• Gray, D.F.: The Observation and Analysis of Stellar Photospheres. Cambridge University Press
• Sparke, L.S., Gallagher, J.S.: Galaxies in the Universe. Cambridge University Press
• Schneider, P.: Extragalactic Astronomy and Cosmology, Springer Verlag

• Combes, F. et al.: Galaxies and Cosmology. Springer.
• Glendening, N. K.: Compact Stars. Springer.
• Kippenhahn, R., & Weigert, A.: Stellar Structure and Evolution. Springer Verlag.
• Longair, M.S., Galaxy Formation. Springer Verlag
• Mihalas, D.: Stellar Atmospheres. W. H. Freemand & Co.

NASA/IPAC Extragalactic Database (NED): https://ned.ipac.caltech.edu

Specialized astrophysical articles: https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/

Sociedad Española de Astronomía: http://www.sea-astronomia.es/

Instituto de Astrofísica de Andalucía: http://www.iaa.es

Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias: http://www.iac.es/divulgacion.php

• MD01. Theoretical classes

The student assessment and final score will take into account the presentation of seminars, the work in problem solving and practical sessions and the final exam, in which the students have to show the skills acquired during the course.

• Exam: 50%
• Practical sessions, problems and participation in class: 50%

Students who are unable to attend the final exam (ordinaria, extraordinaria, or evaluación única final) due to any of the circumstances listed in Artículo 9 in the Normativa de evaluación y de calificación de los estudiantes de la Universidad de Granada may request evaluation due to exceptional circumstances, following the procedure indicated in the aforementioned regulation.

The students will be evaluated with an exam composed on theory (50%) and practical/problems (50%) related to all the learning outcomes.

According to the UGR Student Assessment and Grading Regulations (Normativa de Evaluación y de Calificación de los Estudiantes de la UGR), a single final assessment is available for students who are unable to follow the continuous assessment method for any of the reasons outlined in Article 8. To opt for the single final assessment, the student must submit a request through the electronic office within the first two weeks of the course, within the two weeks following their enrollment if it occurred later, or at a later time if there is a justified unforeseen circumstance. The request must include the reasons, along with supporting documentation, explaining why the student is unable to follow the continuous assessment system. If accepted, the students will be evaluated with an exam composed of theory (50%) and a practical part and problems (50%) related to all the learning outcomes.

Students with Specific Educational Support Needs (NEAE): In accordance with the recommendations of CRUE and the Secretariado de Inclusión y Diversidad de la UGR, the systems for acquiring and assessing competencies described in this guide will be applied following the principle of design for all, facilitating learning and the demonstration of knowledge according to the needs and functional diversity of students. Both the teaching methodology and the assessment will be adapted for students with NEAE, in accordance with Artículo 11 in Normativa de Evaluación y de Calificación de los estudiantes de la UGR, published in the Boletín Oficial de la UGR no. 112, dated November 9, 2016. Inclusion and diversity at UGR: For students with disabilities or other NEAE, the tutoring system must be adapted to their needs, in accordance with the recommendations of the Unidad de Inclusión de la UGR, and Departments and Faculties must implement appropriate measures to ensure that tutorials take place in accessible locations. Moreover, upon request by teaching staff, support from the competent university unit may be sought when special methodological adaptations are required.

Información de interés para estudiantado con discapacidad y/o Necesidades Específicas de Apoyo Educativo (NEAE): Gestión de servicios y apoyos (https://ve.ugr.es/servicios/atencion-social/estudiantes-con-discapacidad).