Admission requirements
Knowledge of calculus and linear algebra at the bachelor level is required. In terms of the Leiden curriculum, the Astronomy bachelor's courses Quantum Mechanics 1 and Quantum Mechanics 2 are a prerequisite for enrolling in the course and the bachelor's course Radiative processes is strongly recommended.
Description
Astronomical observation is a subject combining astronomy, quantum mechanics, and experimental spectroscopy. To accurately interpret and optimize the knowledge and societal impact of the obtained telescope data in various spectral ranges, it is crucial to have a rigorous understanding of the principles of theoretical and laboratory works.
In this course, you will learn to understand and apply atomic and molecular spectroscopy in an astronomical context. The course covers the basics of absorption spectroscopy and the history of astronomical spectroscopy. You will learn how to interpret spectra and what is needed to simulate molecular spectra for electronic, vibrational, and rotational transitions. The course highlights the synergy between observational and laboratory spectroscopy in astronomical research.
This course starts with general principles of quantum mechanics, and from these derives the principles behind atomic and molecular spectroscopy of molecules commonly found in the interstellar medium. You will apply the newly learned theory to the spectral simulation using the Pgopher software and compare them with observational data. Finally, general laboratory spectroscopy will be introduced to demonstrate how a typical molecular spectrum is measured in fully controlled experimental conditions.
Course objectives
Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:
1. Read spectroscopic notation, and interpret and simulate (interstellar) spectra
2. Explain the origin of atomic and molecular spectra
3. Reproduce and simulate the typical shape of molecular spectra
4. Calculate/explain physical parameters from spectra
5. Read and summarize the literature on spectroscopy with astronomical applications
6. Explain solid state and gas phase spectra obtained in the laboratory
Timetable
In MyTimetable, you can find all course and programme schedules, allowing you to create your personal timetable. Activities for which you have enrolled via MyStudyMap will automatically appear in your timetable.
Additionally, you can easily link MyTimetable to a calendar app on your phone, and schedule changes will be automatically updated in your calendar. You can also choose to receive email notifications about schedule changes. You can enable notifications in Settings after logging in.
Questions? Watch the video, read the instructions, or contact the ISSC helpdesk.
Note: Joint Degree students from Leiden/Delft need to combine information from both the Leiden and Delft MyTimetables to see a complete schedule. This video explains how to do it.
Mode of instruction
Lectures
Exercise class
Assessment method
Exercise assignments (20%)
A written report about simulations performed in the exercise class and astronomical observations in literature (60%)
Oral presentation based on the written report (20%)
Reading list
Astronomical spectroscopy: An Introduction to the Atomic and Molecular Physics of Astronomical Spectra (J. Tennyson), ISBN 1860945139 (optional)
Modern Spectroscopy (J. Michael Hollas), ISBN 0470844159 (optional)
Registration
As a student, you are responsible for enrolling on time through MyStudyMap.
In this short video, you can see step-by-step how to enrol for courses in MyStudyMap.
Extensive information about the operation of MyStudyMap can be found here.
There are two enrolment periods per year:
Enrolment for the fall opens in July
Enrolment for the spring opens in December
See this page for more information about deadlines and enrolling for courses and exams.
Note:
It is mandatory to enrol for all activities of a course that you are going to follow.
Your enrolment is only complete when you submit your course planning in the ‘Ready for enrolment’ tab by clicking ‘Send’.
Not being enrolled for an exam/resit means that you are not allowed to participate in the exam/resit.
Contact
Lecturer: Dr. K. Chuang
Remarks
Soft skills
During this course you will be trained in:
Finding, reading and summarizing modern astronomical literature
Writing a structured report on simulated spectra
Software
Starting from the 2024/2025 academic year, the Faculty of Science will use the software distribution platform Academic Software. Through this platform, you can access the software needed for specific courses in your studies. For some software, your laptop must meet certain system requirements, which will be specified with the software. It is important to install the software before the start of the course. More information about the laptop requirements can be found on the student website.