Fundamentals of Astronomy

Code:

AST1001

Acronym:

AST1001

Level:

100

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
OFICIAL	Astronomy

Instance: 2023/2024 - 2S

Active?	No
Responsible unit:	Department of Physics and Astronomy
Course/CS Responsible:	Bachelor in Chemistry

Cycles of Study/Courses

Acronym	No. of Students	Study Plan	Curricular Years	Credits UCN	Credits ECTS	Contact hours	Total Time
L:B	0	Official Study Plan	3	-	6	48	162
L:CC	0	study plan from 2021/22	2	-	6	48	162
			3
L:F	0	Official Study Plan	2	-	6	48	162
L:G	0	study plan from 2017/18	2	-	6	48	162
			3
L:M	0	Official Study Plan	2	-	6	48	162
			3
L:Q	0	study plan from 2016/17	3	-	6	48	162

Teaching language

Portuguese and english
Obs.: Parte do material de apoio está em inglês

Objectives

The course on Fundamentals of Astronomy introduces essential concepts for modern astronomy. The approach is made to a basic level, greater emphasis being placed on discussion of concepts and nomenclature which are used only in astronomy.

 

Learning outcomes and competences

Understanding of basic concepts in modern astronomy and ability to relate them. Skills in the description of physical phenomena which affect planetary systems, the life of stars, the evolution of galaxies and of the universe itself.

Working method

Presencial

Pre-requirements (prior knowledge) and co-requirements (common knowledge)

The approach is developed to be particularly adapted to students from other scientific areas, as this UC is a first contact with Astronomy.

Program

1. OBSERVING THE UNIVERSE AND RADIATION: Location in the sky, measuring angles and sizes, time, teelscopes, physical units and constants, thermal radiation, characterization of the Sun, radiation transfer

2. GRAVITY AND MOTION IN THE COSMOS: universal gravitational attraction, mass of the Sun, tidal effects, orbital motion, velocities of stars, rotation

3. PARTICLES - MOVEMENT, DETECTION AND CHANGE: heat and temperature, velocity, atmospheres, pressure of a gas, acoustic and magnetic waves, constitution of the Sun, excitation and ionization of atoms, spectral lines, creation and destruction of particles, nuclear reactions

4. BRIGHTNESS OF THE SUN AND THE ATMOSPHERE: nuclear fusion, solar neutrinos, energy transport, temperature variation on the Sun, layers of the atmosphere, solar wind, space weather

5. SOLAR SYSTEM: classification of objects, orbits, eclipses, planets (structure and surfaces, atmospheres, etc.), other bodies of the solar system, conditions for life in the solar system

6. SUN, STARS AND EXOPLANETS: distances and brightness, surface temperature and color, size, mass, main sequence stars and giants, energy production, origin of chemical elements, exoplants - detection and characterization

7. INTERSTELLAR MEDIUM AND THE FORMATION OF STARS AND PLANETS: the medium between stars, formation of the solar system, formation of different stars, formation of planets, evolution of planetary systems

8. STELLAR EVOLUTION: stages of evolution, final stages of different stars, exploding stars, white dwarfs, neutron stars, black holes, time scales and conditions for life in planets

9. GALAXIES: the Milky Way, neighboring galaxies, clusters of galaxias, large-scale structures, expansion of the Universe

10. EVOLUTION OF THE UNIVERSE: origin of the Universe, cosmic background radiation, radiation and matter (baryonic and dark), stars and galaxies, evolution of galaxies, dark energy, cosmological constant, end of the Universe

Mandatory literature

Lang, Kenneth R.; Essential Astrophysics, Springer - Undergraduate Lecture Notes in Physics, 2013. ISBN: 978-3-642-35962-0 (https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-35963-7)

Complementary Bibliography

B.W. Carrol, D.A. Ostlie; Modern Astrophysics, Addison-Wesley
Hannu Karttunen; Fundamental astronomy. ISBN: 978-3-662-53044-3

Comments from the literature

Complementary material is provided for some of the topics covered in the curricular unit.

Teaching methods and learning activities

Expository methods in theoretical lectures (T). In theoretical-practical classes (TP) resolution of exercises by the students.

keywords

Physical sciences > Astronomy
Physical sciences > Astronomy > Astrophysics
Physical sciences > Astronomy > Cosmology

Evaluation Type

Distributed evaluation with final exam

Assessment Components

designation	Weight (%)
Exame	70,00
Apresentação/discussão de um trabalho científico	30,00
Total:	100,00

Amount of time allocated to each course unit

designation	Time (hours)
Frequência das aulas	48,00
Estudo autónomo	90,00
Apresentação/discussão de um trabalho científico	24,00
Total:	162,00

Eligibility for exams

Students are expected to attend classes with assiduity as specified in the regulation for evaluation of students.

Calculation formula of final grade

The assessment for the course on Fundamentals of Astronomy is done through (i) a final exam at 70%; and (ii) an oral presentation (15 minutes) valued at 30% on a specific subject in Astronomy. The minimum classification required in the exam is 7/20.

Special assessment (TE, DA, ...)

Students who are exempt from classes will be evaluated in the two planned components. If necessary, a specific date and time will be fixed for the oral presentation that is compatible with the student's time constraints.

Classification improvement

The improvement of the final classification can only be done in the exam component, in the appeal season.

Observations

Jury: Mário João Monteiro, Pedro Viana, João Lima