401-7851-00L  Theoretical Astrophysics (University of Zurich)

SemesterAutumn Semester 2021
LecturersUniversity lecturers
Periodicityyearly recurring course
Language of instructionEnglish
CommentNo enrolment to this course at ETH Zurich. Book the corresponding module directly at UZH as an incoming student.
UZH Module Code: AST512

Mind the enrolment deadlines at UZH:
Link


AbstractThis course covers the foundations of astrophysical fluid dynamics, the Boltzmann equation, equilibrium systems and their stability, the structure of stars, astrophysical turbulence, accretion disks and their stability, the foundations of radiative transfer, collisionless systems, the structure and stability of dark matter halos and stellar galactic disks.
Objective
ContentThis course covers the foundations of astrophysical fluid dynamics, the theory of collisions and the Boltzmann equation, the notion of equilibrium systems and their stability, the structure of stars, the theory of astrophysical turbulence, the theory of accretion disks and their stability, the foundations of astrophysical radiative transfer, the theory of collisionless system, the structure and stability of dark matter halos and stellar galactic disks.
LiteratureCourse Materials:
1- The Physics of Astrophysics, Volume 1: Radiation by Frank H. Shu
2- The Physics of Astrophysics, Volume 2: Gas Dynamics by Frank H. Shu
3- Foundations of radiation hydrodynamics, Dimitri Mihalas and Barbara Weibel-Mihalas
4- Radiative Processes in Astrophysics, George B. Rybicki and Alan P. Lightman
5- Galactic Dynamics, James Binney and Scott Tremaine
Prerequisites / NoticeThis is a full black board ad chalk experience for students with a strong background in mathematics and physics.

Prerequisites:
Introduction to Astrophysics
Mathematical Methods for the Physicist
Quantum Mechanics
(All preferred but not obligatory)

Prior Knowledge:
Mechanics
Quantum Mechanics and atomic physics
Thermodynamics
Fluid Dynamics
Electrodynamics