AST2000 – Introduction to Astrophysics

Course content

This course provides an introduction to different astrophysical subjects with focus on the underlying physical processes, solving problems numerically and data analysis. Some examples include orbital calculations, search for planets around distant stars, radiative processes, nuclear reactions and hydrostatic equilibrium in starts, galactic dynamics, dark matter, the special and general theory of relativity and black holes.

Learning outcome

After completing this course, you will be able to:

• describe basic astrophysical problems.

• explain the physical processes behind astrophysical phenomena.

• solve astrophysical problems by the combination of analytical calculations and programming numerical algorithms.

• apply basic statistical methods for analyzing data.

• analyze data from astronomical observations and connect these observations with theoretical models for the underlying physical processes.

• depending on the assessment form you have chosen, practice written communication of physics through written reports in the form of scientific papers, or popularize scientific work and convey this to school pupils through written blog posts.

• exercise critical thinking and the scientific method through written evaluation of the results of your own work.

Admission to the course

Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for in Studentweb.

The course has a max capacity of 160 students. Based on experience, there is generally room for everyone who applies for admission to the course within the deadline.

Special admission requirements

In addition to fulfilling the Higher Education Entrance Qualification, applicants have to meet the following special admission requirements:

• Mathematics R1 (or Mathematics S1 and S2) + R2

And in addition one of these:

• Physics (1+2)
• Chemistry (1+2)
• Biology (1+2)
• Information technology (1+2)
• Geosciences (1+2)
• Technology and theories of research (1+2)

The special admission requirements may also be covered by equivalent studies from Norwegian upper secondary school or by other equivalent studies (in Norwegian).

Recommended previous knowledge

Two semesters of the Fysikk og astronomi (bachelor) or comparable. It will require considerable extra effort to complete the course without the necessary prerequisites in mathematics, physics and programming.

Overlapping courses

• 10 credits overlap with AST1100 – Introduction to astrophysics (continued).
• 3 credits overlap with AST1010 – Astronomy - a Cosmic Journey.

Teaching

It is compulsory to be present at the first lecture. Please contact the course coordinator or the study administration before teaching starts if you are unable to attend the first lecture. Failure to inform of your absence at the first lecture will result in you losing your place in the course.

Teaching extends over one semester. There are 4 hours of interactive lectures per week and the opportunity to attend up to 4 hours of group sessions/tutorial exercises/project work each week (2 group sessions, each 2 hours per week).

Examination

Students can choose between two assessment alternatives:

Alternative 1: The final grade is based on a combination of a home exam consisting of a set of exercises to be handed in, as well as a final written exam (4 hours). For the home exam, the students must either hand in at least 3 assignments (which counts 20% towards the final grade), or they may choose to hand in up to 5 assignments (which counts 40% towards the final grade). The final written exam counts accordingly as 80% or 60% toward the final grade. The final grade is determined by an overall assessment of the results of the two exams.

Alternative 2: The student will prepare a major project, combined with a written report. The student may be required to hand in parts of the project during the semester, but the final project is to be handed in at the latest on the day of the examination for alternative 1. The final grade is determined exclusively by an assessment of the project. The topics covered and tested in the project will be equivalent to topics tested in alternative 1.

For both assessment forms, a random selection of students may be chosen for oral examination of the written material which is handed in. The students will be notified within two weeks of the last submission for the given form of examination and will recieve a two days notice before the exam. The results of this examination is used to adjust the grading of the delivered material.

Since the assignments/projects, both for alternatives 1 and 2, are home exams counting on the final grade, these may not be reused. If the course is to be taken again, the partial exams/project will need to be rewritten based on a new data set that will be given to the student.

Examination support material

• Angel/Øgrim og Lian: Fysiske størrelser og enheter
• Rottman: Mathematical formula collection
• Calculator (approved type)

Language of examination

The examination text is given in Norwegian. You may submit your response in Norwegian, Swedish, Danish or 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.