Astrophysics and geophysics

Duration

30h Th, 30h Pr

Number of credits

Lecturer

Marc-Antoine Dupret, Valérie Van Grootel

Coordinator

Marc-Antoine Dupret

Language(s) of instruction

French language

Organisation and examination

Teaching in the first semester, review in January

Schedule

Schedule online

Units courses prerequisite and corequisite

Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program

Learning unit contents

Astrophysics: After an introduction giving a general overview of the universe from the smallest to the largest scales, a 1st chapter discusses the fundamental role played by gravitation in astrophysics, in particular for mass determinations. The 2nd chapter briefly presents the methods for determining distances in astrophysics. The 3rd large chapter presents in detail the wealth of information provided by electromagnetic radiation to understand the universe. The main observation techniques are also presented (light at different wavelengths, ground-based and space telescopes, ...). Finally, techniques for detecting exoplanets are presented. The 4th large chapter presents the 2 main bricks of the universe, namely the stars and the interstellar medium. The main physical processes involved in the description of stars and their evolution are thoroughly presented. The characteristics of the interstellar medium and the cycle of matter are also presented. In the 5th chapter, our galaxy is presented, as well as the problem of dark matter. In the 6th chapter, the study of the extra-galactic universe is presented, paying particular attention to the expansion of the Universe.

Geophysics: Since 2023, the geophysics part is limited to external geophysics. In this part, the physical properties of the different layers of the Earth's atmosphere are discussed and its energy balance is established. The highly topical issue of the greenhouse effect and the global warming it causes are analysed, focusing on the underlying physics, as well as paleoclimates.

Learning outcomes of the learning unit

The aim of the course is to immerse students in the physics of the different fundamental components of our universe: earth, planets, stars, interstellar medium, dark matter, galaxy(s), large-scale universe. The main goal is to show them how this knowledge in perpetual evolution, how precise measurements of the physical quantities within these components can be acquired by the scientific methodology. Particular focus is given to understanding the underlying fundamental physical processes and linking them to the students' overall learning of physics. If the objects studied are, for the most part, very distant from us. The analized physical processes also offer a sharp look at phenomena at the core of current concerns such as global warming.

Prerequisite knowledge and skills

Basic knowledges in physics, thermodynamics and mechanics are essential. Basic mathematical knowledges are also required.

The following courses are co-required:

- Physique moderne, L. Dreesen (bac2 physics)

- Thermodynamique, N. Vandewalle (bac2 physics)

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

In addition to the ex-cathedra course, exercise sessions are organised at various key stages and at the end of the semester. The main aim of the exercises is to enable students to establish the essential bridge in astrophysics (and geophysics) between observational data and the physical characterisation of the main bodies in the universe: stars, exo-planets and their atmospheres, etc.

Experts from the AGO department in various fields of astrophysics and geophysics are also invited to give lectures focusing on their area of research (during course times), followed by question and answer sessions.

Mode of delivery (face to face, distance learning, hybrid learning)

The course is given the first semester (5h / week).

Course materials and recommended or required readings

PowerPoint presentations, podcasts and other materials are available at the following link:

https://dox.uliege.be/index.php/s/4X8eaXZroaGtoGx

Exam(s) in session

Any session

- In-person

written exam AND oral exam


Further information:

An oral (theory) and written (exercises) exam is organised during the january session.

Work placement(s)

Organisational remarks and main changes to the course

Contacts

Marc-Antoine Dupret
email: MA.Dupret@uliege.be
address: Institut d'Astrophysique et Géophysique, bât. B5c, +1
Tél: 04 366 97 32

Association of one or more MOOCs

Items online