The course gives a solid foundation in astrophysics, with particular emphasis on high-energy astrophysics. The following topics are covered:
Radiative transfer and line spectra
Continuum spectra: Compton emission, Synchrotron emission and Brehmsstrahlung.
Accretion onto neutron stars and black holes
Astrophysical applications of the theory of relativity
Compact objects (black holes and neutron stars) and phenomena related to these objects (e.g., active galactic nuclei, pulsars and gamma-ray bursts), with particular focus on relevant radiation processes.
After completing the course the student should be able to:
- Describe the most important radiation processes in the Universe and explain how radiation is transported in different media.
- Apply the theories for the production of line and continuum spectra to calculate the most important properties of the emitting object/medium from observed spectra.
- Explain the main points of accretion theory and use the theory to solve problems for relevant astrophysical phenomena.
- Describe Compact objects (black holes and neutron stars) and phenomena related to these objects (e.g., active galactic nuclei, pulsars and gamma-ray bursts).
- Apply the learning outcomes above to critically evaluate different ways of using high-energy observations to study the properties of compact objects
- Identify a topical resarch area in the field of high-energy astrophysics, write a review of the topic in the form of a scientific paper as well as a referee report for another student.
