Prospectus

nl en

Introduction to Astrophysics

Course
2024-2025

Admission requirements

Mathematics and Physics on Dutch high school VWO level

Description

In this introductory course you will lay the foundation for the Astronomy study programme. You will learn how principles in modern physics are used to understand various processes in the Universe. This course will introduce the most important topics in modern astronomy. After consideration of gravity as the most important force in the Universe, we will study the interaction between radiation and matter and learn how this can be used to investigate the physical properties of objects in the Universe. We will use this new knowledge to study our solar system, planets and the evolution of stars. Subsequently, we will explore the Milky Way as a starting point for extragalactic astronomy. We will conclude the course with the basic principles of cosmology - the study of the Universe as a whole. During exercise classes we will apply the new knowledge in simple calculations.

The course covers the following themes:

  • Orbital movement of astronomical objects as a result of gravity

  • Interaction between light and matter

  • Detection of light / operation mechanism of telescopes

  • Overview of our solar system and study of exoplanets

  • Properties and evolution of stars

  • Properties of the Milky Way and other galaxies

  • Basic principles of cosmology

Course objectives

After this course, you will be able to:

  • Answer basic questions on a variety of astronomical topics

  • Calculate basic properties of astronomical objects (like double star and planet systems) based on simple measurement data

Timetable

See Schedules bachelor Astronomy

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 classes

In this course, you are trained in the following soft skills:

  • Reasoning beyond the field of astronomy, combining various physical principles

  • Estimating orders of magnitude

Assessment method

  • Written exam: The course will end with an exam. If you have passed the exam, the average grade of your homework assignments will be added as a bonus (max 1 grade point).

Reading list

Foundations of Astrophysics, Ryden & Peterson, ISBN 9781108831956 (Recommended)

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

Docent: Dr. M.P. van Daalen

Remarks

Please note that this course is in Dutch.
Instructions and course material can be found on Brightspace.

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.