This course provides a foundational understanding of the physical principles governing celestial objects and the universe. It begins with astronomical nomenclature, units, and basic concepts such as the celestial sphere, magnitude system, and electromagnetic spectrum. Then I introduce observational tools, including telescopes, detectors, and spectroscopy techniques. It covers radiation processes like blackbody emission and stellar energy generation, followed by stellar structure, evolution, and interpretation of the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram. Compact objects such as white dwarfs, neutron stars, pulsars, and black holes are studied in terms of their formation and properties. The curriculum extends to galaxies, including their classification, structure, and the role of dark matter, as well as galaxy clusters and large-scale structure. Active galaxies and high-energy phenomena, including quasars and supermassive black holes, are also covered. Finally, observational cosmology topics such as the expanding universe, cosmic distance scales, cosmic microwave background radiation, and the Big Bang model are introduced, providing a comprehensive overview of the universe’s origin, structure, and evolution.
We introduce the structure and dynamics of atomic nuclei, combining theoretical foundations with practical insights. The course typically begins with nuclear properties such as binding energy, nuclear size, and stability, followed by models of nuclear structure, including the liquid drop model and shell model. It covers radioactive decay processes (alpha, beta, and gamma decay), nuclear reactions, and conservation laws governing these interactions. Students are introduced to particle detectors, accelerators, and experimental techniques used in nuclear physics research. Advanced topics include nuclear forces, fission and fusion processes, and applications in energy generation and medical physics. I emphasise problem-solving and analytical skills, often supported by computational or laboratory components.
This course covers fundamental concepts of atomic structure, spectroscopy, and laser physics. It begins with the hydrogen atom, including Bohr theory and quantum mechanical treatment, followed by electron spin, the vector atom model, and fine structure. The course then extends to multi-electron atoms, the central-field approximation, and the interpretation of the periodic table. Atomic spectra are studied through term symbols, coupling schemes (L-S and j-j), and selection rules. Spectra of alkali and complex atoms are included, along with the effects of external fields such as Zeeman and Stark effects. X-ray spectra and Moseley’s law are also introduced. The molecular physics section covers rotational, vibrational, and electronic spectra, as well as Raman spectroscopy. Finally, the course introduces laser principles, including Einstein coefficients, population inversion, different laser types, and their applications in spectroscopy and modern technology.
The course is structured into three credits, combining theoretical foundations and hands-on experience in astrophysics. Credit 1 introduces fundamental concepts of astronomy and astrophysics, including celestial mechanics, telescope operations, and theories of planet and Moon formation, along with an overview of the solar system, minor bodies such as comets and asteroids, and exoplanets. It also covers methods for detecting and characterising exoplanets, including missions such as Kepler and TESS, as well as planetary habitability and atmospheres. The hands-on component involves Python-based modelling of radial velocity data and parameter estimation using MCMC techniques. Credit 2 focuses on stellar astrophysics, including stellar structure, classification, evolution, and compact objects such as white dwarfs, neutron stars, black holes, and X-ray binaries. Practical sessions include creating colour composite images using Python and SAOImage DS9, and determining stellar magnitudes from FITS data obtained from various telescopes. Credit 3 covers extragalactic astronomy, including galaxy morphology, active galactic nuclei, and quasars, complemented by a hands-on session on X-ray timing analysis using Fourier techniques implemented in Python.
This course begins with fundamental electrical quantities, circuit elements (resistors, capacitors, inductors), and basic laws including Ohm’s law, Kirchhoff’s voltage and current laws. It covers analysis techniques such as nodal and mesh analysis, network theorems (Thevenin, Norton, superposition, maximum power transfer), and transient behaviour in RC, RL, and RLC circuits. AC circuit analysis is introduced, including phasors, impedance, resonance, and power calculations. The course also includes an introduction to semiconductor devices like diodes and basic transistor circuits. Practical components involve circuit simulation and experimental verification of laws and theorems using laboratory setups and mini projects.
The curriculum begins with the basic physics of X-ray generation, including Bremsstrahlung and characteristic radiation, X-ray tubes, and beam properties. It then covers interactions of X-rays with matter, such as the photoelectric effect, Compton scattering, and attenuation processes relevant to imaging and therapy. The course introduces X-ray imaging systems, including radiography, fluoroscopy, and computed tomography (CT), along with image formation, contrast, and resolution. Radiation dosimetry concepts, units, and measurement techniques are included, with emphasis on patient safety and radiation protection standards. Additional topics include the biological effects of ionising radiation and optimisation of imaging protocols.
This course starts with an introduction to the fundamental principles governing microscopic systems. The curriculum begins with the failure of classical physics and the development of quantum concepts, including wave–particle duality and the Schrödinger equation. It covers the formulation of wavefunctions, the probability interpretation, operators, expectation values, and the uncertainty principles. Solutions to standard problems such as the particle in a box, step potential, and harmonic oscillator are discussed. The course introduces angular momentum, eigenvalues, and basic quantum states. Concepts of superposition, measurement, and time evolution are explored, along with an introduction to spin and simple two-level systems. Applications include quantum tunnelling and its relevance in modern devices.