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SH2402 Astrophysics 6.0 credits

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Application

For course offering

Spring 2025 Start 17 Mar 2025 programme students

Application code

60327

Headings with content from the Course syllabus SH2402 (Spring 2022–) are denoted with an asterisk ( )

Content and learning outcomes

Course contents

Observational techniques, Radiative transfer, Star formation and stellar
evolution and large-scale structure of the Universe, Astrostatistics.

Intended learning outcomes

After the course the student should be able to:

  • Describe how fundamental astrophysical observations and measurements are performed: localisation, signal strength, distance scales.  Plan and perform simpler astronomical observations and assess the outcome and give suggestions for improvements.
  • By using physical reasoning, explain how radiation is transported within plasmas and in the universe. Explain how emission and absorption line features are formed and their diagnostics
  • By using physical reasoning, explain the main evolutionary states for different types of stars.
  • Describe the observations of the large-scale structure of the universe and assess the theories for structure formation in the universe on both small and large scales.
  • Describe the various techniques for detection of extrasolar planets and discuss the conditions for life on other planets.
  • Summarise the basis of  astrophysics statistical analysis and solve basic problems.

Literature and preparations

Specific prerequisites

English B / English 6

Recommended prerequisites

Previous knowledge of mathematical methods in physics and quantum physics.

Equipment

No information inserted

Literature

No information inserted

Examination and completion

If the course is discontinued, students may request to be examined during the following two academic years.

Grading scale

A, B, C, D, E, FX, F

Examination

  • ANN1 - Notice, 1.0 credits, grading scale: P, F
  • SEM1 - Seminar, 1.0 credits, grading scale: P, F
  • TEN1 - Examination, 4.0 credits, grading scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F

Based on recommendation from KTH’s coordinator for disabilities, the examiner will decide how to adapt an examination for students with documented disability.

The examiner may apply another examination format when re-examining individual students.

Other requirements for final grade

Written exam (TEN1; 4 university credits)
Observation (ANN1; 1 university credit)
Seminarium (SEM1; 1 university credit)

Opportunity to complete the requirements via supplementary examination

No information inserted

Opportunity to raise an approved grade via renewed examination

Yes

Examiner

Profile picture Felix Ryde

Ethical approach

  • All members of a group are responsible for the group's work.
  • In any assessment, every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used.
  • In an oral assessment, every student shall be able to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.

Further information

Course room in Canvas

Registered students find further information about the implementation of the course in the course room in Canvas. A link to the course room can be found under the tab Studies in the Personal menu at the start of the course.

Offered by

SCI/Undergraduate Physics

Main field of study

Physics

Education cycle

Second cycle

Add-on studies

No information inserted

Contact

Felix Ryde: fryde@kth.se, Josefin Larsson josla@kth.se, Tanja Nymark: tanja@particle.kth.se