Admission requirements
Bachelor's degree in Astronomy and/or Physics
Basic programming experience, preferably in Python, as AMUSE is Python-based.
Fundamental knowledge of astrophysics, including concepts in gravitational dynamics, stellar evolution, hydrodynamics, and radiative transfer.
Familiarity with scientific computing and data analysis is recommended.
Familiarity with the LINUX operating system, and access to a LINUX enabled computer platform.
Description
This course, provides a comprehensive introduction to computational research in astrophysics using the Astrophysical Multipurpose Software Environment (AMUSE). Students will learn to design, implement, assess, and analyze numerical experiments that simulate complex (multi-scale and multi-physics) astrophysical phenomena, integrating multiple physical domains such as gravitational dynamics, hydrodynamics, radiative transfer, and stellar evolution. The course combines weekly discussions, paper reviews, and presentations with hands-on programming and project development, culminating in a group modeling project using the AMUSE framework.
Course objectives
Upon completion of this course you will be able to:
Develop the ability to set up, conduct, and critically assess computational experiments in astrophysics.
Gain proficiency in selecting, adapting, and validating appropriate numerical tools for astrophysical research.
Foster collaborative research skills through group project work and effective scientific communication via presentations and written reports.
Encourage critical evaluation of scientific literature and peer work through structured discussions and paper reviews.
Understand the principles of numerical modeling and simulation in astrophysics.
Acquire practical skills in coding, running, and analyzing simulations with AMUSE.
Integrate multiple physical domains (e.g., gravitational dynamics, hydrodynamics) in a single simulation project.
Develop the ability to communicate scientific results clearly in both written and oral formats.
Work effectively in small teams to design, execute, and present a research project.
Timetable
You will find the timetables for all courses and degree programmes of Leiden University in the tool MyTimetable (login). Any teaching activities that you have successfully registered for in MyStudyMap will automatically be displayed in MyTimeTable. Any timetables that you add manually, will be saved and automatically displayed the next time you sign in.
MyTimetable allows you to integrate your timetable with your calendar apps such as Outlook, Google Calendar, Apple Calendar and other calendar apps on your smartphone. Any timetable changes will be automatically synced with your calendar. If you wish, you can also receive an email notification of the change. You can turn notifications on in ‘Settings’ (after login).
For more information, watch the video or go to the 'help-page' in MyTimetable. Please note: Joint Degree students Leiden/Delft have to merge their two different timetables into one. This video explains how to do this.
Mode of instruction
Lectures
Practical classes
Presentations
Assessment method
Final Project (Group, in triplets): The main component of assessment is a group modeling project, selected in consultation with the instructor, involving at least two physical domains. Evaluation is based on the quality of the simulation, analysis, and the final written report and presentation.
Individual Participation: Active attendance and engagement during weekly discussions, paper reviews, and presentations are required and contribute to the final grade.
Peer Feedback: Students are expected to provide constructive feedback on peer presentations and reports.
Reading list
The course is supported by the book: "Astrophysical Recipes", published in 2026. Early version of the book will be made available by the teacher.
Other literature will be provided in class.
The course uses the AMUSE software environment, a public Python based simulation and modeling framework.
Access to a Linux based computer.
Registration
As a student, you are responsible for registering on time, i.e. 14 days before the start of the course. This can be done via Mystudymap. You do this twice a year: once for the courses you want to take in semester 1 and once for the courses you want to take in semester 2. Please note: late registration is not possible.
Registration for courses in the first semester is possible from July; registration for courses in the second semester is possible from December. First-year bachelor students are registered for semester 1 by the faculty student administration; they do not have to do this themselves. For more information, see this page.
In addition, it is mandatory for all students, including first-year bachelor students, to register for exams. This can be done up to and including 10 calendar days prior to the exam or up to five calendar days in case of a retake exam. You cannot participate in the exam or retake without a valid registration in My Studymap.
Extensive FAQ's on MyStudymap can be found here.
Contact
Lecturer: Prof.dr. S.F. (Simon) Portegies Zwart
Remarks
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
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.
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.