AST4310 – Radiative Processes in Astrophysics
Course description
Course content
This course gives an introduction to the interpretation of electromagnetic radiation in astrophysical media, in particular stars. It covers how processes from quantum and atomic physics can create and absorb radiation, and how we can use observations and models to infer the physical properties of astronomical objects. The course has a strong computational component aimed at understanding radiation transport and reproducing common tasks used in astrophysical research to understand the properties of stars.
Learning outcome
After completing this course, you will be able to:
- explain different processes that generate electromagnetic radiation in astronomical objects, in particular stars.
- describe how spectral lines form in optically thick and thin media.
- use existing databases to obtain models of stellar atmospheres and atoms.
- write efficient numerical methods to obtain predicted spectra from models.
- infer physical parameters from stellar spectra, such as temperature, velocity, chemical composition, and magnetic field.
- write concise and clear peer reviews.
- write effectively about the results of computational assignments with:
the use of appropriate figures.
concise text using domain-specific language.
a coherent narrative linking code, visualisations, and text.
Admission to the course
Students admitted at UiO must apply for courses in Studentweb. Students enrolled in other Master's Degree Programmes can, on application, be admitted to the course if this is cleared by their own study programme.?
If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures for international applicants.
The course has a max capacity of 25 students. Based on experience, there is generally room for everyone who applies for admission to the course within the deadline.
Recommended previous knowledge
Bachelor’s Degree from the programme Fysikk og astronomi (bachelor) or comparable.
Overlapping courses
- 5 credits overlap with AST3210 – Radiation I (discontinued).
- 5 credits overlap with AST2120 – The Stars (discontinued).
Teaching
Teaching extends over one semester. There are 4 hours of lectures per week and 2 hours of group sessions/tutorial exercises?each week.
It is compulsory to attend the first lecture. If you cannot attend the first lecture, please contact the course coordinator or the study administration before the lecture starts in order to get some important information about this course.
Examination
This course has?3 written assignments in the form of home exams which in total count approx. 50 %, and a final oral exam which counts approx. 50 % towards the final grade. The written assignments should be carried out in groups of 2 students, but in exceptional cases, they can be done individually or in groups of 3 students. It is mandatory to submit the written assignments and participate in the oral examination in order to pass the course. The final grade is determined after an overall assessment of the 3 assignments and the oral examination.
The written assignments are not valid for the following semesters.
Language of examination
The examination text is given in English, and you submit your response in English.
Grading scale
Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F is a fail. Read more about the grading system.
Resit an examination
Students who can document a valid reason for absence from the regular examination are offered a postponed examination at the beginning of the next semester.
Re-scheduled examinations are not offered to students who withdraw during, or did not pass the original examination.
More about examinations at UiO
- Use of sources and citations
- Special exam arrangements due to individual needs
- Withdrawal from an exam
- Illness at exams / postponed exams
- Explanation of grades and appeals
- Resitting an exam
- Cheating/attempted cheating
You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.