Entry requirements

120 credits with quantum physics/quantum mechanics.

Learning outcomes

After finishing the course the student should be able to

• explain the properties of and difference between theories and models.
• explain the properties of and difference between phenomena and observations.
• explain how physicists use observations and models to constrain physical theories.
• account for astrophysical observations that significantly advanced our understanding of fundamental physics.
• critically evaluate the interplay of theory and observation in a specific astrophysical situation.
• account for and present recent developments within astrophysics pertaining to the topic of the course.

Content

Background: The epistemological (theory-of-knowledge) meaning of the terms theory, model, phenomena and observations and how they relate to one another. Examples from the history of science. Application: Wide-ranging astrophysical situations as examples of data sets that help to constrain our description of the physical reality: particles, forces, natural constant and their potential variability, the equation of state of matter under extreme conditions, dimensionality of space-time.

Instruction

Lectures. Seminars and presentations on selected topics.

Assessment

Active participation in class (1 credit). Passed hand-in lecture summaries (2 credits). Passed seminar and presentations (2 credits).