OVERVIEW

The course aims to provide a phenomenological introduction to modern astrophysics and cosmology in particular by showing the application to the phenomena of the cosmos of different branches of classical and modern physics, in order to constitute a solid basis for students interested in a career in these disciplines, while providing a basic knowledge of phenomena and methods also for students interested in pursuing other areas of physics.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course aims to provide the fundamentals of Astrophysics and Cosmology with particular attention to the application of the laws of classical physics learned in the first two years, but also introducing the application of elements of modern physics and in particular elementary particle physics and nuclear physics.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of the course the student will have knowledge of: systems of units of measurement and observables in use; mechanisms of production of electromagnetic waves of different energies in astrophysical phenomena; interaction and propagation of photons in the cosmos and their revelation (with hints to other messengers); elements of observational astronomy; stellar physics (equilibrium and various phases of stellar evolution, multiple systems); planetary systems; interstellar medium, galaxies and extra-galactic astrophysics; clusters of galaxies; classical Newtonian cosmology. The student will acquire the understanding of the different astrophysical phenomena by applying the knowledge of the various branches of classical physics (classical mechanics, thermodynamics, electromagnetism, optics), but also hints to applications of modern physics (relativity, quantum mechanics, statistical physics, nuclear physics, physics of particles) and will be educated on the leading lines of research in modern astrophysics and cosmology.

PREREQUISITES

The courses of the first two years

TEACHING METHODS

Frontal lessons with the use of slides and material provided through AulaWeb. Some examples of innovative teaching will be introduced

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

• Some reminders
•  Observables and units of astrophysical / cosmological interest.
• Radiative transport.
• Mechanisms of electromagnetic radiation emission from astrophysical sources and their detection (notes on instrumentation and most relevant objects observable in the various bands)
• Stellar and galactic dynamics
  • Equilibrium conditions of the stars in the various evolutionary phases
  • Star systems
  • Planetary systems
  • Interstellar medium
  •  Galaxy types and structures
  • Dark matter
• The universe on a large scale
  •  Clusters of galaxies
  • Classical Newtonian cosmology

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

"Astrophysics for Physicists" di Arnab Rai Choudhuri

"Fondamenti di astronomia" di H. Karttunen et al.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

SILVANO TOSI (President)

MARCO RAVERI

ENZO FRANCO BRANCHINI (President Substitute)

LESSONS

LESSONS START

February 2024

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Standard oral exam at the blackboard, with a question chosen by the student and questions from the commission. Students may also a detailed study on a topic of their choice: the exam will then consist in the presentation of the study, followed by questiond from the commmission.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The exam consists of an oral test that includes questions from the commission on the topics of the course and a question on a topic chosen by the students. 

Students may also a detailed study on a topic of their choice: the exam will then consist in the presentation of the study, followed by questiond from the commmission.

On average, the exam lasts about 30 minutes for each student. The questions are aimed at ascertaining the degree of knowledge and mastery of the topics developed by the students, as well as the clarity of presentation and the properties of the language of the discipline, in order to elaborate the final evaluation.

Exam schedule

FURTHER INFORMATION

Students who have valid certification of physical or learning disabilities on file with the University and who wish to discuss possible accommodations or other circumstances regarding lectures, coursework and exams, should speak both with the instructor and with Professor Sergio Di Domizio (sergio.didomizio@unige.it), the Department’s disability liaison.