Advanced Computational Astrophysics: Concepts and Applications + Seminar

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. Marcel Pawlowski, Dr. Ewald Puchwein

exercise sessions: Rouven Lemmerz

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.

Seminar

Understanding and applying concepts of Computational Astrophysics are a very important part of our research in Astrophysics - be it in form of simulations or when reducing observational data. This Master Seminar aims to close the gap between the academic lectures on Computational Astrophysics on the one side and cutting-edge scientific work on the other. The main aim of it is to create a vibrant atmosphere where the students can learn how exciting concepts of Computational Astrophysics are applied in real astrophysics research while transporting scientific media literacy. As such it complements the lectures and practice sessions of "Advanced Computational Astrophysics: Concepts and Applications". Participants will independently prepare a topic in this field, resulting in a presentation of 35 minutes plus discussions.

Lecturers

Dr. Marcel Pawlowski, Dr. Ewald Puchwein

Python Preparatory Course

If you would like to refresh your python knowledge, there are many good tools on the web. We recommend the following Online Python Course (password protected).