Astrophysics primer

Academic year 2024/2025
Lecturer Evangelia Ntormousi

Examination procedure

Oral exam

Prerequisites

Open to all, recommended for third and fourth year students. No prerequisites.

Syllabus

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the fundamental concepts and methodologies in astrophysics.


Course Content:

  • Astrophysical Units and Magnitude Scale:
  • Introduction to the standard units of measurement in astrophysics.
  • Detailed study of the magnitude scale and its applications.
  • Stellar Structure and Evolution:
  • Introduction to the Hertzsprung-Russell (HR) diagram and its significance in stellar classification.
  • In-depth analysis of the equations of stellar structure.
  • Evolutionary pathways of stars, including phases on and beyond the main sequence.
  • Introduction to compact objects such as white dwarfs, neutron stars, and black holes.
  • Properties of the Interstellar Medium (ISM):
  • Processes involved in star formation.
  • Characteristics and dynamics of HII regions.
  • Mechanisms and implications of supernova explosions.
  • Dynamics of Stellar Systems:
  • Study of the formation, structure, and evolution of stellar clusters.
  • Dynamics and morphology of galaxies.


Bibliographical references

"An Introduction to Modern Astrophysics" by Caroll & Ostlie

"Galactic Dynamics" by Binney & Tremaine