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SH2403 Astrophysics, Advanced Course 6.0 credits

Administer About course

This is an advanced course in Astrophysics.

The course is replaced from VT26 with SH2405

Information per course offering

Course offerings are missing for current or upcoming semesters.

Course syllabus as PDF

Please note: all information from the Course syllabus is available on this page in an accessible format.

Course syllabus SH2403 (Spring 2022–)
Headings with content from the Course syllabus SH2403 (Spring 2022–) are denoted with an asterisk ( )

Content and learning outcomes

Course contents

The course gives a solid foundation in astrophysics, with particular emphasis on high-energy astrophysics. The following topics are covered:

  • 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.

Intended learning outcomes

After completing the course the student should be able to:

  • Describe the most important radiation processes in the Universe.
  • Apply the theories for the production of 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.

Literature and preparations

Specific prerequisites

English B / English 6

Recommended prerequisites

Astrophysics equivalent to SH2204 and Mathematical methods in physics.

Literature

You can find information about course literature either in the course memo for the course offering or in the course room in Canvas.

Examination and completion

Grading scale

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

Examination

  • INL1 - Exercises, 2.0 credits, grading scale: P, F
  • PRO1 - Project Work, 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.

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

Other requirements for final grade

Hand-in exercises (2hp)

Project work (4 hp)

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

Supplementary information

The course is replaced from VT26 with SH2405