Duration
20h Th
Number of credits
| Master in chemistry (120 ECTS) | 3 crédits | |||
| Master in geology (120 ECTS) | 3 crédits |
Lecturer
Language(s) of instruction
French language
Organisation and examination
Teaching in the second semester
Schedule
Units courses prerequisite and corequisite
Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program
Learning unit contents
This course is mainly built in three parts:
1. The first part introduces several concepts frequently used in astrophysics, and presents various astronomical environments following a rather descriptive approach. This could be considered as a short introduction to astrophysics, in the purpose to understand some basic concepts. The issue of the origin of the chemical elements is also addressed. This part includes also a brief description of the solar system.
2. The second part aims at providing an insight into modern astrochemical studies, insisting on the impact of the astrophysical environment on the processes responsible for the formation and/or destruction of molecules. Gas phase and dust grain surface processes are described and discussed in their appropriate astrophysical context. The issue of the existence of more complex molecules, including potentially prebiotic molecules, is discussed.
3. The third part combines the elements of astrophysics and astrochemistry introduced in the two previous parts. The end of the course consists of the discussion of the evolution of a molecular cloud up to the planetary system stage, with emphasis on the evolution of the physico-chemical conditions of the environment.
Learning outcomes of the learning unit
This course aims at providing to the students of the Master in Chemistry and of the Master in Geology an introductory and general view of some aspects of astrophysics, and of processes and phenomena located at the interface between astrophysics and chemistry, in order to favour pluridisciplinary approaches. This introduction is therefore expected to provide the students with the necessary autonomy to improve their knowledge of this field by themselves, either for research or personal interest purpose.
This course constitutes also a good opportunity to realize that:
1. The Earth is an astronomical object, and it is relevant to locate it in its relevant astrophysical context. Our terrestrial environment is indeed intimately related to its previous history and its present context from the astronomical point of view.
2. The domain of application of chemistry is not limited to laboratories, to living cells or to the terrestrial ecosystem, but extends far beyond the limits of our planet.
3. The study of ambitious scientific questions often requires pluridisciplinary approaches.
Prerequisite knowledge and skills
No particular prerequisite.
Planned learning activities and teaching methods
The course is organized in theoretical lectures illustrated by detailed lecture notes and by slideshows commented by the lecturer.
Complements are also made available to students on the e-Campus platform.
Mode of delivery (face to face, distance learning, hybrid learning)
Face-to-face course
Additional information:
The course is organized in theoretical lectures.
Recommended or required readings
Lecture notes written in english including the main content of the course and slideshows are provided to the students. Lecture notes refer to a detailed bibliography that is adapted to the objectives of the course.
Lecture notes are made available on the e-Campus platform.
Exam(s) in session
Any session
- In-person
oral exam
Additional information:
An oral examination is organized at the end of the year.
The first part of this examination is directly related to the practical exploration of the bibliography (scientific paper to be discussed in relation with the course content), and the second part is more specifically devoted to the content of the theoretical lectures.
Work placement(s)
Organisational remarks and main changes to the course
The main part of the course consists of a theoretical description of various aspects of astrophysics and astrochemistry, spiced with examples found in specialized literature.
Complementary information useful for the course is also available on the e-Campus platform.
Contacts
Michaël De Becker
Phone: 04/3669717
E-mail: Michael.DeBecker@uliege.be
Office: Institut d'Astrophysique et Géophysique, Building B5c, 1st floor, office 1/8