High Energy Astrophysics
Throughout this course you will get an overview over a number of high-energy processes and phenomena in the Universe.
In this course we will discuss a variety of “high-energy” phenomena that range from processes in compact binary systems over accretion onto black holes to the sources and detection of gravitational waves. Each time we begin by introducing (in some cases refreshing) the basic theoretical concepts, building a theoretical model and then confront the theoretical expectations with observations. The theoretical concepts contain elements from basic physics courses (e.g. classical mechanics or electrodynamics), gas dynamics and radiative processes. Knowledge in General Relativity is of course welcome, but not strictly needed for this course. The gravitational wave sources will be described by means of classical mechanics enhanced by additional effects. This course will allow you to apply fundamental physics concepts to understand some of the most violent events in the Universe.
Information for admitted students autumn 2024
Congratulations! You have been admitted at Stockholm University and we hope that you will enjoy your studies with us.
In order to ensure that your studies begin as smoothly as possible we have compiled a short checklist for the beginning of the semester.
Follow the instructions on whether you have to reply to your offer or not.
universityadmissions.se
Checklist for admitted students
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Activate your university account
The first step in being able to register and gain access to all the university's IT services.
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Register at your department
Registration can be done in different ways. Read the instructions from your department below.
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Read all the information on this page
Here you will find what you need to know before your course or programme starts.
IMPORTANT
Your seat may be withdrawn if you do not register according to the instructions provided by your department.
Information from the department - courses
Everyone admitted to a course at the Department of Astronomy will receive a welcome letter with information via e-mail. If you have not receive an e-mail by August, please contact our study advisor! Unfold and read more.
Roll-call
Courses at the Department of Astronomy do not have a roll-call. Instead the course starts with the first lecture.
Registration
After being admitted to a course, you must register to confirm that you are starting your studies. For most of our courses this can be done online using your university account. Registration normally opens two weeks before the course starts and you must have registered at the latest one week after. If you have any problems with registration, contact our Student office. Contact details can be found below.
Click here to register online.
Learning platform
All courses at our department use the Athena learning platform. Once registered, the course should appear automatically in Athena. If you cannot find the course, contact the Student office.
Conditionally admitted
If you are conditionally admitted to a course at our department you need to contact our Academic advisor before you can register. Contact us as soon as possible, well before the course starts. Contact details are found further down on this web page.
Applicants on waiting list
Are you placed on a waiting list to any of our courses? You will always be contacted by e-mail if you are offered a place. Normaly we will not admit new students if more than 1 week has passed after the first lecture.
Find the Departmend of Astronomy
All our courses are held in the AlbaNova building, located between the Frescati campus and the Royal Institute of Technology (Tekniska högskolan, KTH).
Welcome activities
Stockholm University organises a series of welcome activities that stretch over a few weeks at the beginning of each semester. The programme is voluntary (attendance is optional) and includes Arrival Service at the airport and an Orientation Day, see more details about these events below.
Your department may also organise activities for welcoming international students. More information will be provided by your specific department.
Find your way on campus
Stockholm University's main campus is in the Frescati area, north of the city centre. While most of our departments and offices are located here, there are also campus areas in other parts of the city.
Read more
For new international students
In this course we will discuss a variety of “high-energy” phenomena that range from processes in compact binary systems over accretion onto black holes to the sources and detection of gravitational waves. Each time we begin by introducing (in some cases refreshing) the basic theoretical concepts, building a theoretical model and then confront the theoretical expectations with observations. The theoretical concepts contain elements from basic physics courses (e.g. classical mechanics or electrodynamics), gas dynamics and radiative processes. Knowledge in General Relativity is of course welcome, but not strictly needed for this course. The gravitational wave sources will be described by means of classical mechanics enhanced by additional effects. This course will allow you to apply fundamental physics concepts to understand some of the most violent events in the Universe.
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Course structure
The course is given during day time, and is part of the Master’s programme in Astronomy. The course is normally given in English.
Teacher
Evan O'Connor and Stephan Rosswog.
Correspondence via the course page in Athena.
Teaching format
Instructions are given in the form of lectures (some on site, others via Zoom) and exercises. Participation in both lectures and exercises is mandatory.
Assessment
Assessment will be carried out during the course through exercises and a final, written exam. All exams and exercises are given in English.
Examiner
Evan O'Connor
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Schedule
The schedule will be available no later than one month before the start of the course. We do not recommend print-outs as changes can occur. At the start of the course, your department will advise where you can find your schedule during the course. -
Course literature
Note that the course literature can be changed up to two months before the start of the course.
Introduction to High-Energy Astrophysics av Rosswog and Brüggen, Cambridge University Press (2007).
Additional sources may be used for specific topics.
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Course reports
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Contact
The academic advisor and student office can be contacted via studieinfo@astro.su.se.
