Relativistic Cosmology and Astrophysics

Code:

AST3017

Acronym:

AST3017

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
OFICIAL	Astronomy

Instance: 2024/2025 - 2S

Active?	Yes
Responsible unit:	Department of Physics and Astronomy
Course/CS Responsible:	Bachelor in Physics

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	17	Official Study Plan	3	-	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

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 Avelino and Pedro Viana.