Observational Astrophysics
Module PH2114
Module version of WS 2016/7
There are historic module descriptions of this module. A module description is valid until replaced by a newer one.
Whether the module’s courses are offered during a specific semester is listed in the section Courses, Learning and Teaching Methods and Literature below.
| available module versions | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SS 2022 | SS 2021 | SS 2020 | SS 2019 | SS 2018 | WS 2016/7 | SS 2011 |
Basic Information
PH2114 is a semester module in German language at Master’s level which is offered in summer semester.
This Module is included in the following catalogues within the study programs in physics.
- Specific catalogue of special courses for nuclear, particle, and astrophysics
- Complementary catalogue of special courses for condensed matter physics
- Complementary catalogue of special courses for Biophysics
- Complementary catalogue of special courses for Applied and Engineering Physics
If not stated otherwise for export to a non-physics program the student workload is given in the following table.
| Total workload | Contact hours | Credits (ECTS) |
|---|---|---|
| 150 h | 40 h | 5 CP |
Responsible coordinator of the module PH2114 in the version of WS 2016/7 was Roland Diehl.
Content, Learning Outcome and Preconditions
Content
This course provides a survey of observational methods towards the universe and its objects. Telescopes, experiments, and their methods are discussed per messenger type, and application towards their characteristic astrophysical studies is discussed. In particular, we address:
- astrophysics quests and cosmic messengers
- cosmic matter and its observables
- radiation processes
- instruments, telescopes, experiments: from radio to gamma rays, neutrinos, cosmic rays, meteorites, gravitational waves
- stars: formation, evolution, explosions and compact remnants
- compact objects: accretion, magnetars, bursts, mergers
- interstellar medium: cold gas and dust, hot and relativistic plasma, cosmic rays
- galaxies of different types, with their characteristic objects and sources
- literature and databases on the astronomical window/discipline and projects
Learning Outcome
After passing of the module, students are able to
- associate physical processes in cosmic objects to their specific observational method(s)
- understand the design and the critical components of telescopes, from radio through IR and optical to x- and gamma radiation, as well as the instruments for cosmic dust, cosmic rays, gravitational waves, and neutrinos
- describe the evolution of normal and exotic stars, from formation through different phases until their remnants
- explain the physics of different, sometimes violent, energy release processes in cosmic objects
- assess the observability gaps in view of standard theories describing the universe
Preconditions
No preconditions in addition to the requirements for the Master’s program in Physics.
Courses, Learning and Teaching Methods and Literature
Courses and Schedule
| Type | SWS | Title | Lecturer(s) | Dates | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VO | 2 | Observational Astrophysics | Diehl, R. Greiner, J. Leibundgut, B. |
Fri, 10:00–12:00, PH II 227 |
Learning and Teaching Methods
Presentation (slides), board teaching, short contributions from students
Media
Literature
Longair: High-Energy Astrophysics, Cambr. Univ. Press
Module Exam
Description of exams and course work
In a written exam of 60 minutes the learning outcome is tested using comprehension questions and sample problems.
In accordance with §12 (8) APSO the exam can be done as an oral exam. In this case the time duration is 25 minutes.
Exam Repetition
The exam may be repeated at the end of the semester.
Current exam dates
Currently TUMonline lists the following exam dates. In addition to the general information above please refer to the current information given during the course.
| Title | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Time | Location | Info | Registration |
| Exam in Observational Astrophysics | |||
| Mon, 2023-07-17 till 23:55 | Dummy-Termin. Wenden Sie sich zur individuellen Terminvereinbarung an die/den Prüfer(in). Anmeldung für Prüfungstermin vor 16.09.2023. // Dummy date. Contact examiner for individual appointment. Registration for exam date before 2023-Sep-16. | till 2023-06-30 (cancelation of registration till 2023-07-16) | |
| Mon, 2023-09-18 till 23:55 | Dummy-Termin. Wenden Sie sich zur individuellen Terminvereinbarung an die/den Prüfer(in). Anmeldung für Prüfungstermin zwischen 18.09.2023 und 21.10.2023. // Dummy date. Contact examiner for individual appointment. Registration for exam date between 2023-Sep-18 and 2023-Oct-21. | till 2023-09-17 | |