Relativistic Cosmology and Astrophysics
Keywords |
Classification |
Keyword |
OFICIAL |
Astronomy |
Instance: 2023/2024 - 2S
Cycles of Study/Courses
Teaching language
Portuguese
Objectives
In this lecture course, it is intended that students acquire the necessary knowledge to understand the importance of the Special and General Theories of Relativity in Astrophysics, as well as the large-scale evolution of the Universe taking into account the most current observational data. It is given particular emphasis to the development of the ability to apply previously acquired knowledge about physical phenomena to problems in Astrophysics and Cosmology.
Learning outcomes and competences
Skills in the description of astrophysical phenomena only comprehensible within the framework of the Special and General Theories of Relativity, as well as of the large-scale evolution of the Universe from its beginnings.
Working method
Presencial
Program
Introduction.
Review of concepts in Special Relativity and Astrophysics.
Supernovae.
Compact objects: white dwarfs; neutron stars; pulsars.
Binary systems with compact objects: evolution and associated relativistic phenomena.
Introduction to the Theory of General Relativity.
Black holes.
The Cosmological Principle.
Newtonian Cosmology.
Relativistic Cosmology: the Robertson-Walker metric; the Friedmann equations; dark energy.
Observational Cosmology.
The cosmic microwave background radiation.
Primordial nucleosynthesis.
Mandatory literature
B.W. Carrol, D.A. Ostlie; An Introduction to Modern Astrophysics, 2013
Complementary Bibliography
K. Fischer; Relativity for Everyone
C. Bambi; Introduction to General Relativity
H. Bradt; Astrophysics Processes
M. Longair; High Energy Astrophysics
D.L. Meier; Black Hole Astrophysics
P. Hoyng; Relativistic Astrophysics and Cosmology
Teaching methods and learning activities
In the theoretical lecture classes, the syllabus is presented, discussed and the application of its contents exemplified. In the theoretical-practical lecture classes is promoted the resolution by the students of problems about those same contents.
Evaluation Type
Evaluation with final exam
Assessment Components
designation |
Weight (%) |
Exame |
100,00 |
Total: |
100,00 |
Amount of time allocated to each course unit
designation |
Time (hours) |
Frequência das aulas |
48,00 |
Estudo autónomo |
114,00 |
Total: |
162,00 |
Eligibility for exams
Assiduity in class attendance.
Calculation formula of final grade
The evaluation is performed only through a final exam. The improvement of the final classification can only be made by taking the resit exam.
Classification improvement
The final classification can only be improved through the resit exam.
Observations
The jury of this curricular unit is composed of Pedro Viana and Orfeu Bertolami.