Astrophysics

The Observational Astrophysics Workshop 1 is an introduction to the observational study (photometry or spectroscopy) of astrophysical objects (stars, nebulae) at M1 level. Students carry out all the steps involved, from planning and carrying out observations at the Faculty of Science's astronomical observatory, to calibrating and analyzing the data obtained. This module is designed as a preparation for the M2 module Observational Astrophysics Workshop 2 (HAP905P).

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In this course, we study the theory of general relativity, i.e. the modern description of universal gravitation. After a few reminders of special relativity, we'll familiarize ourselves with the basic concepts of general relativity, based on a few particular accepted solutions of these equations in well-identified physical contexts: weak field at the Earth's surface, geometry around an isolated spherical star, large-scale universe. This will enable us to generalize our understanding and build the theory, then deduce the field equations, i.e. Einstein's equations. The course will conclude with a discussion of black holes and gravitational waves.

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The aim of this course is to provide basic notions of astronomy and astrophysics, which will be useful in the other astrophysics courses in the Master's program. It also illustrates the application of physics concepts to the description of astrophysical objects. Most of the concepts covered will be developed further in the^2nd year courses.

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Fluids are all around us all the time, on every scale. To understand fluid mechanics is to understand the mechanics of what surrounds us: air and water in particular. As such, hydrodynamics is an essential part of any physicist's background.

EU Hydrodynamics provides an introduction to incompressible perfect (Euler) and viscous Newtonian (Navier-Stokes) fluid mechanics. Classical flows are presented, as well as the notion of boundary layer, instability and turbulence. Emphasis is placed more on physical ideas than on advanced mathematical or numerical resolution methods.

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TD courses in English for students in the Master 1 Physics program, who are aiming for professional autonomy in scientific English.

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This course is part of the foundation of modern physics. It provides a foundation of knowledge that is strictly necessary for all physics courses, since it lays the foundations for the theoretical description of the interaction between the electromagnetic field and elementary quantum elements such as two-level systems, atoms and molecules. It also provides the teaching needed to understand LASER, modern optical devices and spectroscopic methods and analyses.

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The aim of this module is to enable students to compare experimental reality with their theoretical knowledge. Particular attention is paid to writing up results and presenting them orally. Work is organized in eight-hour sessions, for which students choose a theme. They record their results and analyses in an experimental notebook modelled on the protocols used in laboratories. At the end of the semester, students choose a theme, which they develop in the form of a final report that they present orally. This course prepares students for the internships they will undertake during their studies.

Examples of experiments available: optical spectroscopy (IR, Visible), gamma spectroscopy, X-ray spectroscopy, acoustic spectroscopy; low-temperature photoluminescence; near-field spectroscopy (AFM, STM); electron microscopy...

The range of experiments on offer covers the areas of physics taught in the different Physics courses. Students are encouraged to choose the experiments that best match their interests. A major effort is made to integrate new data acquisition technologies and the use of computer tools to compare experiment and theory.

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This UE includes a refresher and a deepening of programming techniques as well as an introduction to numerical physics. We'll start with a review of procedural programming with the Python 3 language. Then we'll take an in-depth look at numerical methods relevant to physics, studying a selection of classical numerical analysis algorithms and applying them to physical problems.

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This course provides an introduction to astroparticle physics (cosmic gas pedals, gamma rays, multi-messengers, experimental techniques, etc.).

The course builds on knowledge acquired in L3 to provide students with a brief introduction to astroparticle physics. After a description of the general context, two examples of gamma-ray astronomy detectors will be detailed, followed by an introduction to the physics of multi-messenger astrophysics (in particular via the detection of gravitational waves). The course then turns to the physics of cosmic rays (CRs), the problems of CR acceleration and propagation, and the hypothesis of Supernova remnants as galactic CR gas pedals (description of the first-order Fermi acceleration mechanism).

The course will conclude with a description of the cosmological challenges of future large-field ground and space surveys (LSST and Euclid in particular).

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The aim of this course is to introduce and develop several fundamental concepts and tools of non-relativistic quantum physics needed to understand the physical processes describing the interactions between the elementary constituents of matter and radiation. It will also cover second quantization and the path integral formulation of quantum mechanics, which provide the ideal framework for the development of quantum field theory and its various applications (e.g. high-energy physics, condensed matter physics).

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Introduction to advanced statistical physics: grand canonical set; quantum statistics; quantum fluids (Bose-Einstein condensation, thermal radiation; Sommerfeld theory); phase transitions; Ising model; mean-field theory; dynamics of complex systems.

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This course is an introduction to the Standard Model of Particle Physics. First, we'll take an inventory of elementary particles and their interactions. Then we'll see how to use Lie group theory to classify these elementary particles. Finally, we'll look at the notion of electromagnetic interactions for charged but spinless particles (scalar electrodynamics theory).

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Fluid mechanics is a fundamental tool for the sciences of the Universe: from the Earth and giant planets to stars, accretion disks and the interstellar medium, it is an essential approach for studying astrophysical objects. The "Fluid Dynamics in Astrophysics and Cosmology" course is an extension of the "Hydrodynamics" course, organized around 3 central themes in astrophysics: rotating fluids, thermal convection and magnetohydrodynamics.

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This 7-week internship (usually from ~ end of April to end of June) (10 ECTS) will give students their first contact with the world of astrophysics, cosmology and particle physics research. Internships at the intersection of these disciplines, more commonly known as "astroparticles", are also offered. Internships may be more theoretical or more experimental, depending on the choices made by students and supervisors.

This internship can be carried out in a research laboratory in France or abroad. Traditionally, however, it takes place in one of the two UMRs at Montpellier 2 University, the Laboratoire Univers et Particules de Montpellier (LUPM, IN2P3) or the Laboratoire Charles Coulomb (L2C, INP).

The internship will enable students to interact with a research team (national and/or international) and begin to discover the research topics they will prefer to develop in their future studies.

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This course will outline the formation of stars and planetary systems in two parts of equal length. Star formation will cover the stability of clouds in equilibrium and stability, the collapse of dense cores, protostars and their evolution, and the impact of young stars on their environment. Planetary formation will draw on solar system constraints and extrasolar planet detections to address the structure and evolution of protoplanetary disks, and the formation of telluric planets and giant planets.

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TD courses in English, for students in the Master 2 Physics program, who want to work in English in a contemporary context.

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This course covers the essentials needed to understand the physics of stellar atmospheres and winds. The essential elements of radiation transfer theory are covered, both at ETL (local thermodynamic equilibrium) and outside ETL, as well as the description of the gas (equation of state) and its interaction with the radiation field (opacities). Modern models and simulations are presented, along with their application to the determination of stellar parameters, in particular chemical composition, via spectroscopy. The different types of stellar wind (pressure, radiative, hybrid) are described by comparing theories with observations.

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During the Observational Astrophysics Workshop 2, students are required to carry out all the stages of an observational astrophysical study. From defining the spectroscopic or photometric observations to be made during a 4-night stay at the Observatoire de Haute-Provence, to the modeling and critical discussion of their measurements and the writing of a scientific report, students play an active role in this course.

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The aim is to present the various observations and associated theoretical concepts - known as cosmological probes - that have enabled the so-called "concordance" ΛCDM cosmological model to be accredited. The EU is divided into chapters of roughly equal size. It is supplemented by a series of seminars presented by students (flipped classroom) and delving into more observational and technical aspects (based on a publication from a major collaboration).

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Interstellar medium: physico-chemical processes - phases - radio astronomy.

This course covers the physico-chemical processes that are important for the interstellar medium (dynamic, thermal and chemical processes), as well as the associated observational diagnostics (molecular spectroscopy, radio astronomy). The main phases of the interstellar medium (ionized, atomic and molecular phases) are also presented.

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This course lays the foundations for our understanding of galaxy formation and evolution, from the astrophysical processes involved in small-scale star formation to environmental effects on very large scales. A two-pronged approach will be used, with both theoretical and observational aspects.

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A large part of our understanding of the Universe relies on the understanding and accurate modeling of stars. Stars make up a very important part of the integrated light of galaxies, and are major contributors to the chemical and dynamical evolution of galaxies. In this course, we will look at the physics describing stellar structure, and study how this structure evolves over time in the case of isolated stars.

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A 4-month laboratory internship designed to immerse you in the world of research and prepare you for your thesis.

This internship can be carried out in a research laboratory in France or abroad.

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This course introduces astrophysical instruments and the signal processing tools used to operate them.

The focus is on high angular resolution and high contrast instruments (interferometry, adaptive optics, coronography, etc.).

In addition, this course introduces the basics of digital signal processing and presents a general methodology, based on the modeling of instrumental effects, for image reconstruction and the optimal use of measurements.

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Astrophysics research is based on a variety of approaches (observations, theory, modeling, simulation), all of which have advanced numerical tools in common.

In order to prepare M2 Astrophysics students for a research activity, this module offers them the opportunity to carry out individual digital work on a project proposed by a tutor, involving the use and/or development of professional-level code to answer a specific astrophysical question.

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