AST9310 – Stellar Atmospheres II

Schedule, syllabus and examination date

Course content

This course provides an advanced introduction to radiation transport applied to stellar atmospheres and numerical stellar atmosphere models, radiation in energy balance in stars, 3D radiation transport and radiation magnetohydrodynamics.

Learning outcome

After completing this course, you will be able to:

  • apply a theoretical and practical background for a PhD thesis in radiation transport and stellar atmosphere models.
  • assess the spectral diagnostics of stellar atmospheres.
  • describe radiation in energy transport.
  • describe radiative transfer in 3D.
  • explain the basics in radiation magnetohydrodynamics.
  • use modern stellar atmosphere codes to solve a stellar atmosphere modelling problem in the form of a term project.
  • obtain background knowledge through literature search and present this knowledge in the form of lectures.
  • present the results of the term project in a written report in the style of a research paper.

Admission to the course

PhD candidates from the University of Oslo should apply for classes and register for examinations through Studentweb.

If a course has limited intake capacity, priority will be given to PhD candidates who follow an individual education plan where this particular course is included. Some national researchers’ schools may have specific rules for ranking applicants for courses with limited intake capacity.

PhD candidates who have been admitted to another higher education institution must apply for a position as a visiting student within a given deadline.

The course has a max capacity of 25 students. Based on experience, there is generally room for everyone who applies for admission to the course within the deadline.

Teaching

Teaching extends over one semester. Candidates who have admission to the course only gather for a 45-minute lecture at the beginning of the semester. The main part of this course is a term-project with individual tutoring. In addition, each candidate is expected to find necessary background literature and teach selected parts of the findings to all students who have signed up for the course.

Examination

Project assignment in the form of a home exam which counts 100% towards the final grade.

Examination support material

All examination support material is allowed.

Language of examination

The examination text is given in English, and you submit your response in English.

Grading scale

Grades are awarded on a pass/fail scale. Read more about the grading system.

Resit an examination

There is no postponed examination in the event of illness or the like. If sickness or another valid reason prevents the candidate from submitting the home exam within a set deadline, this must be documented with a valid medical certificate or similar by the deadline for the home exam. The institute can determine whether a deferred submission can be granted.

More about examinations at UiO

You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.

Last updated from FS (Felles studentsystem) Oct. 15, 2026 2:13:20 AM

Facts about this course

Level
PhD
Credits
10
Teaching
Spring
Examination
Spring
Teaching language
English

Contact

Institute of Theoretical Astrophysics