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Research School of Astronomy and Astrophysics · ANU College of Science and Medicine
This course provides an introduction to the physical processes that underlie almost all astrophysical phenomena: radiation and fluid dynamics. The course is split evenly between those two topics, with an emphasis on basic physical processes rather than astrophysical applications. The radiation portion of the class covers the statistical mechanics of radiation fields, radiative transfer, plasma emission processes (free and synchrotron radiation), and line formation. The fluid dynamics portion includes derivation of the theory of fluids from gas kinetics, calculation of flows in simple geometry, stability analysis, and supersonic flows and shocks. The overall goal is to provide a grounding in physics suitable for continuing research in astrophysics in more specialised classes. This course is taught with undergraduate students but assessed separately.
4 problem sets
Learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
final exam
Learning outcomes 1, 2, 3
quizzes
Learning outcomes 1, 2
group paper presentation
Learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
written report
Learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, 5, 6
The expected workload will consist of approximately 130 hours throughout the semester including: - Face-to face component which may consist of 3 x 1 hour workshop and 1 x 1 hour tutorial per week - Approximately 82 hours of self-directed study which will include working on problem sets and critical literature reflection
Radiative Processes in Astrophysics, by G. B. Rybicki and A. P. Lightman The Physics of Astrophysics, Vol. II: Gas Dynamics, by F. H. Shu