The course introduces students to several contemporary topics in Astrophysics, moving beyond the scope of the introductory Astronomy course. Specifically, the modules covered are:
Fluid Mechanics – Hydrostatic Equilibrium – Virial Theorem
Generalised Virial Theorem – Radial Stellar Oscillations – Stability
White Dwarfs
Neutron Stars
Magnetohydrodynamics (MHD)
Pulsars
Binary Systems – Evolution – Roche Lobe
Spherical Accretion – Accretion Disks
General Relativity – Black Holes
Gravitational Waves
Gravitational Lensing
Stellar and Planetary Spectra
Laboratory Sessions
The course also includes six laboratory units:
Lab 1: Introduction to Python; simple application to homologous spherical dust collapse.
Lab 2: Numerical integration of stellar structure equations (Lane-Emden, etc.).
Lab 3: Gravitational lensing.
Lab 4: Applications in Spherical Accretion (Bondi accretion and others).
Lab 5: Applications in Accretion Disks (e.g., disk instabilities, planet formation, planet migration, relativistic disks).
Lab 6: Radiative Transfer (applications in disks, stars, planetary atmospheres, etc.).