OVERVIEW

The course is focused on understanding computational techniques that are routinely used in astrophysics and cosmological studies.

The aim of the course is to give students a working knowledge of these techniques and corresponding numerical implementations.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course aims to illustrate the most common analytical and, above all, numerical techniques used to quantitatively analyze the physics of astrophysical systems (e.g. stellar evolution) and cosmic structures (evolution of large-scale structures, physics of primordial plasma, etc.)

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of this course a student will be able to understand and perform numerical calculations that are routinely used in astrophysics and cosmology research.

These include: calculations in cosmological perturbation theory to linear and non-linear order; N-body simulations; numerical calculations of cosmological observables.

TEACHING METHODS

The course is given by means of lectures that include:

- blackboard lessons
- numerical tutorials

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

1) Stellar evolution and exoplanets:
- python setup
- numerical integration

2) Parameter estimation:
- Monte-Carlo Markov-Chain methods
- Kernel density estimators

3) Non-linear evolution of cosmic structures:
- N-body simulations
- Perturbation theory numerical loop integrals calculations

4) Correlation function measurements:
- data structures and k-d trees

5) Linear cosmological perturbation theory:
- prediction of cosmological observables with linear theory

6) Elements of machine learning for cosmology:
- convolutional neural networks, emulators, parameter estimation accelerators

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Modern Cosmology, Scott Dodelson, Fabian Schmidt, second edition

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

MARCO RAVERI (President)

ENZO FRANCO BRANCHINI

SILVANO TOSI

ALFONSO VEROPALUMBO (President Substitute)

LESSONS

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Presentation.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Presentation

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.