Advanced Computational Astrophysics: Concepts and Applications (Lecture)

Lecture course - Concepts and Applications

Overview

Nearly all theoretical astrophysics research as well as a substantial part of observational astronomy requires an expert knowledge of computational techniques. The topics range from ordinary and partial differential equations which find applications in the laws of gravitation, hydrodynamics or diffusion, to Fourier techniques, to collisionless systems. The objectives of this course are to endow students with the capacity to identify and classify common numerical problems in modern astrophysics. The course aims at an active understanding of numerical methods and algorithms, their ranges of applicability and teaches the underlying physical concepts. Solving basic astrophysical problems with adequate numerical techniques and determining the range of validity is an essential part of the course.

Lecturers

Dr. Oliver Gressel, Dr. Marcel S. Pawlowski

exercise sessions: Eleftheria Sarafidou

Lecture notes and homework assignments

Lecture notes are available here (password protected). All homework assignments will become available at the same link.

Credit Points

Credit points for this lectures can be used for the Master Science Astrophysics Modules PHY-765. Credit points are given on the basis of an oral exam. To be eligible for this exam, you need to obtain at least 50% of the points of your homework assignments.

Python Preparatory Course

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