Admission requirements
This course is not very suitable for students with little or no
affinity for programming or astrophysics. In order to successfully
finish this course, you will need:
Bachelor's degree in Astronomy and/or Physics
Demonstrable knowledge of calculus
A fundamental knowledge of LINUX, English, and programming
Description
During this course you will learn how to perform research with
existing computational tools and simulation codes. This will be done
using the Astrophysics Multipurpose software Environment (AMUSE)
software. You will learn how to set up a computer experiment, write
the code to carry out the simulations, perform the calculations,
collect and analyze the data, and critically assess the results.
Students, in groups of two or three, will work on their joined
projects, and report on the results by written report and a
presentation.
The final project is chosen in discussion with the teacher from a wide
range of topics. From a computational point of view the topic should
generally include at least two fundamental physical phenomena:
gravitational dynamics, hydrodynamics, radiative transfer, or stellar
astrophysics.
The work will be carried out using AMUSE to perform a number of
simulations to study astrophysical phenomena. The course ends with a
presentation and report on the final project.
Topics
AMUSE in general
Gravitational dynamics
Stellar evolution
Hydrodynamics
Code coupling strategies
Project management
Visualization
Presentation and reporting
Algorithms
Python
Software sustainability
High-performance computing
Course objectives
How to perform, judge, select and adapt the proper numerical tools for
conducting your own research, and how to validate the work of others.
Soft skills
In this course, students will be trained in the following
behavior-oriented skills:
Problem solving (recognizing and analyzing problems, solution-oriented thinking)
Analytical skills (analytical thinking, abstraction)
Critical assessment (asking questions, assumption validation)
Creativity (resourcefulness, lateral thinking)
Collaboration (extreme programming, joined research)
Management of their own research endeavor
Timetable
See Astronomy master schedules
Mode of instruction
Lectures
Practical classes
Presentations
Assessment method
Homework assignments
Team projects
Final project presentation
Brightspace and Git
Brightspace will be used to communicate with students. But to share lecture slides, homework assignments, or any extra materials, we
will be using git.
To have access to Brightspace, you need a student ULCN account.
Reading list
Course material is available online via the git wiki, these include:
Guidelines and manuals for associated packages used
Astrophysical Recipes: The art of AMUSE by S. Portegies Zwart, S. McMillan
Registration
Via uSis. More information about signing up for your classes can be found here. Exchange and Study Abroad students, please see the Prospective students website for information on how to apply.
Contact information
Lecturer: Prof.dr. S.F. (Simon) Portegies Zwart
Assistants: Martijn Wilhelm
Remarks
The course starts with a test on basic knowledge and skills essential
for successfully finishing the course. The result of this test will
be used to judge the suitability of the candidate for the course, and
may result in an advise to the student to stop the course work.