Code: | AST3019 | Acronym: | AST3019 |
Keywords | |
---|---|
Classification | Keyword |
OFICIAL | Astronomy |
Active? | Yes |
Responsible unit: | Department of Physics and Astronomy |
Course/CS Responsible: | Bachelor in Biology |
Acronym | No. of Students | Study Plan | Curricular Years | Credits UCN | Credits ECTS | Contact hours | Total Time |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
L:B | 0 | Official Study Plan | 3 | - | 6 | 56 | 162 |
L:CC | 0 | study plan from 2021/22 | 2 | - | 6 | 56 | 162 |
3 | |||||||
L:G | 0 | study plan from 2017/18 | 2 | - | 6 | 56 | 162 |
3 | |||||||
L:M | 1 | Official Study Plan | 2 | - | 6 | 56 | 162 |
3 | |||||||
L:Q | 0 | study plan from 2016/17 | 3 | - | 6 | 56 | 162 |
The course aims to provide the student with basic skills to solve problems in different areas of computational astronomy, covering both, the methods used and the astronomy issues being addressed. To achieve this, the student acquires experience on how to use the methods and tools, as well as on developing computer applications to analyze and solve some specific problems of modern astronomy. The aim of the laboratory component is to provide the student with the opportunity to use the techniques and develop the skills needed to solve, computationally a wide range of astronomical problems. There is also the aim to provide the stduent with the expertise on validatinng and on the interpretation of the numerical results by using astronomical observations relevant for the problems being addressed.
Some of the most common methods used in computational astronomy (as interpolation, differentiation, function setting, solving differential equations, Monte Carlo simulations, N-body simulation, optimization, characterizing time series, etc.) are used in order to allow the student to formulate the approach that should be implemented in order to find the solution of each problem being considered. Through application to concrete problems of astronomy, the curricular unit aims at strengthening the student's ability to plan, validate algorithms and implement codes, as well as to evaluate the relevance of the numerical solution being obtained. The choice of problems is made to ensure that the student can use the numerical results to construct the physical interpretation of the specific astronomical problem being addressed, supporting the consolidation of fundamental concepts in astronomy related to the problems being studied.
Basic astronomy concepts, numerical methods and some experience with numerical calculation of physical models.
The CU includes a theoretical approach in the formulation of the numerical solution, the computer implementation of the algorithm and specific applications to concrete cases, through a portfolio of problems in astronomy whose answer is obtained by the student using a computer. The organization of the contents is:
The course is organized using the theoretical lectures and laboratory work. The theoretical analysis of the issues being addressed is discussed to allow the student to follow the construction of the physic-mathematical description of the various items covered and to do the definition of the computational approach to be implemented. In the laboratory (computer) the student works in structuring of algorithms and implementing the codes in compute, in order to obtain the required results for concrete applications in astronomy (using observational data).
The methodology used aims at enhancing the student's ability to formulate and implement a numerical approach to solve specific problems in astronomy. This is done by ensuring that the student identifies the problem and the desired solution, identifies the method for its resolution, which can then be implemented to study specific astronomical problems/questions. For reaching this goal, the student works on the computer, under the guidance of lecturer, in order to plan and implement the codes needed to produce a valid solution. The student also develops the procedures required to optimize and validate the code as well as the procedures necessary to characterize the solution being calculated (in terms of relevance/physical applicability and determination of uncertainties).
The methodology used ensures that the student develops a critical approach in the analysis and interpretation of numerical results, understanding that these are a simplified representation of a particular physical behaviour for a complex phenomena.
designation | Weight (%) |
---|---|
Participação presencial | 10,00 |
Trabalho escrito | 75,00 |
Apresentação/discussão de um trabalho científico | 15,00 |
Total: | 100,00 |
designation | Time (hours) |
---|---|
Elaboração de relatório/dissertação/tese | 30,00 |
Estudo autónomo | 70,00 |
Frequência das aulas | 50,00 |
Apresentação/discussão de um trabalho científico | 12,00 |
Total: | 162,00 |
In order to qualify for evaluation the student must:
The final grade is obtained by combined the result on different components of the evaluation. These are:
1) 75% a minimum of three writen reports on specific study cases developed during the semester,
2) 10% - participation in all activities through interaction in the lectures and presentation of preliminary results.
3) 15% - oral presentation and discussion of one of the reports.
Due to the specific characteristics of this course unit it is not possible to request and additional evaluation test.
The classifications in the any of the reports (item 1) can be improved.