00056 - Astrophysics

Learning outcomes

The aim is to obtain a general understanding of the most important stellar and extra-galactic topics in modern astrophysics. The student will be able to understand and discuss general observational properties of stars, galaxies and clusters of galaxies. An introduction on the modern cosmology will be also given.

Course contents

Astronomical quantities (measures of distance and magnitude). Introduction to the main emission mechanisms (black body, synchrotron, Bremsstrahlung, inverse Compton). Spectral classification of stars. Physics of stellar interiors and atmospheres' main thermonuclear reactions. Introduction to stellar evolution, supernova explosions, final stages (black holes, neutron stars, white dwarfs). Physical and observational propeties of galaxies (Hubble classification, content in terms of gas and stars, internal dynamics, spiral structure theory). Introduction to the unified model of active galactic nuclei. Clusters and groups of galaxies. The interstellar and intergalactic medium (X-ray and 21 cm emission), rotation curves of spiral galaxies and evidence of dark matter, Introduction to cosmology: the Hubble constant, expansion law, the microwave background radiation, cosmological models. 

Readings/Bibliography

B.W.Carrol & D.A. Ostlie. 'An Introduction to Modern Astrophysics'. II ed. Cambridge Univ. Press.

'Review' papers from astrophysical journal

Slides presented during the course

Evolution of stars and stellar populations, Salaris & Cassisi, Wiley

Introduction to Galaxy formation and Evolution, Cimatti, Fraternali, Nipoti, Cambridge University Press

 

 

Teaching methods

Oral Lessons with power point slides

Assessment methods

The oral exam will last approximately 30 min and will consist of two parts:

- presentation of a topic chosen by the student (max 10 min)

-2/3 questions that will focus on other topics presented during the course.

The first part is mainly devoted to evaluate the student's ability to explain in a clear, synthetic and well-organized manner a known topic, while in the second part it will be evaluated whether the student has acquired a general vision of the main astrophysical issues, in the stellar, extra-galactic and cosmological fields discussed during the course.

 

 

Teaching tools

power point slidesd and blackboard

Office hours

See the website of Barbara Lanzoni