Admission requirements
Bachelor in Astronomy or equivalent, containing (basic) quantum physics and (basic) statistical physics (e.g., Boltzman distribution). The course Radiative Processes is highly recommended but not an absolute requirement. Key elements from this course will be recapitulated at the beginning of the lecture series.
Description
The space between the stars is filled with matter, magnetic fields, and radiation. This course describes this ‘interstellar medium’ as an an integral part of galactic ‘ecosystems’. It provides an overview of the known constituents of the ISM (ionized, atomic, and molecular gas; dust; magnetic fields; cosmic rays; EM radiation), and the different environments in which these are encountered (the 2- and 3-phase models of the ISM) along with the observational diagnostics (atomic and molecular spectroscopy; spectral energy distributions).
It discusses the physical processes that govern the interactions within the ISM and with stars (energy balance; shocks). And it highlights the relationships between the ISM and stars and their host galaxies (birth and death of stars; supernovae; nuclei of active galaxies).
Course objectives
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
Describe the key components of the interstellar medium (ionized, atomic, and molecular gas; dust; magnetic fields; cosmic rays; electromagnetic radiation) and their roles in the galactic ecosystem.
Explain the physical conditions and processes in the ISM, including energy balance, heating and cooling mechanisms, shocks, and feedback from stars and AGN.
Compare and contrast different ISM environments using the 2- and 3-phase models, and interpret how these environments are revealed by observational diagnostics such as atomic/molecular spectroscopy and spectral energy distributions.
Analyze the interactions between the ISM and stellar life cycles, including processes of star formation and stellar death (e.g., supernovae), and their effects on galactic evolution.
Apply observational tools and spectral data to derive physical properties of the ISM in various astrophysical settings.
Evaluate recent research findings in the literature and formulate testable hypotheses or research questions related to the ISM based on theoretical understanding and observational data.
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
Exercise classes
Computer assignments
Assessment method
Written exam
Computer assignment (not mandatory but can result in bonus points)
Reading list
- Physics of the Interstellar and Intergalactic Medium, Draine, ISBN 9780691122144 (paperback) or ISBN 9780691122137 (hardcover) (required)
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. P.P. (Paul) van der Werf
Remarks
None