Computational Astrophysics: Star and Planet Formation
Course content
The course gives an introduction to contemporary computational astrophysics, and covers both technical aspects, in particular efficient code development and parallelization, methods including fluid and particle dynamics, gravitational collapse, radiative energy transfer, and an overview of computational models for microphysical processes, such as cooling, heating, dust dynamics, and astrochemistry. The course exercises introduce and illustrate these concepts, and give a “hands-on” feeling for how and in what context they are used. During the course exercises the students will build a highly modular yet simple core program, which includes most of the methods covered in the lectures.
MSc Programme in Physics
MSc Programme in Physics with a minor subject
Skills
- Modeling the dynamics of the interstellar medium
- Modeling gravitational collapse
- Solving the radiation transfer equation
- Using radiative transfer in connection with analysis and modeling of observations
- Modeling dust dynamics and gas-dust interaction
- Reporting on current theories and models of star and planet formation.
Knowledge
The student will come to know the fundamental equations that
govern astrophysical gas dynamics, including radiative energy
transfer and coupled gas-dust dynamics. In addition the
student will achieve knowledge of the basic computational
techniques used in modern astrophysics including the
principles of adaptive mesh refinement techniques and particle
methods.
Competences
The course gives basic competences in numerical modelling, and will
establish a foundation for a M.Sc. project based on numerical
modelling.
Lectures, exercises and projects work
See Absalon for final course material. The following is an example of expected course literature.
P. Bodenheimer, G. P. Laughlin, M. Rozyczka, T. Plewa, H. W. Yorke: “Numerical Methods in Astrophysics”. Complemented with lecture notes.
The student is expected to have followed courses on galaxies,
stars and planets. It is recommended but not required that the
student has followed an M.Sc. course on the interstellar medium and
star formation.
Academic qualifications equivalent to a BSc degree is
recommended.
- ECTS
- 7,5 ECTS
- Type of assessment
-
Continuous assessmentWritten assignment, 4 daysThe exam consists of two parts:
The continuous part of the evaluation, wich consists of 2-3 exercises per week, counts for 70% of the final grade. The student must have turned in at least 60% of the weekly exercises.
A written 4-day report (Monday to Thursday) with an oral defense (Friday) counts for 30% of the final grade. - Marking scale
- 7-point grading scale
- Censorship form
- No external censorship
two internal examiners; the course responsible and an internal censor.
Criteria for exam assessment
see learning outcome
Single subject courses (day)
- Category
- Hours
- Lectures
- 28
- Preparation
- 92
- Theory exercises
- 28
- Project work
- 28
- Exam
- 30
- English
- 206
Kursusinformation
- Language
- English
- Course number
- NFYK14018U
- ECTS
- 7,5 ECTS
- Programme level
- Full Degree Master
- Duration
-
1 block
- Schedulegroup
-
A
- Capacity
- no limitation
- Studyboard
- Study Board of Physics, Chemistry and Nanoscience
Contracting department
- The Niels Bohr Institute
Contracting faculty
- Faculty of Science
Course Coordinator
- Troels Haugbølle (8-6d667a6c67746a714573676e33707a336970)
Are you BA- or KA-student?
Courseinformation of students