M1 - Astrophysics-CCP

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

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In this course, we study the theory of general relativity, which is the modern description of universal gravitation. After reviewing some concepts from special relativity, we will familiarize ourselves with the basic concepts of general relativity using a few specific solutions to these equations in well-defined physical contexts: weak fields at the Earth's surface, geometry around an isolated spherical star, and the universe on large scales. This will allow us to generalize our understanding and construct 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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This course aims to provide basic concepts in astronomy and astrophysics, which will be useful in 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 explored in greater depth in^second-year courses.

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Fluids are all around us at all times and on all scales. Understanding fluid mechanics means understanding the mechanics of our surroundings, particularly air and water. As such, hydrodynamics is part of a physicist's basic knowledge.

Hydrodynamics is an introduction to the mechanics of incompressible perfect fluids (Euler) and viscous Newtonian fluids (Navier-Stokes). Classical flows are presented, as well as the concepts of boundary layer, instability, and turbulence. The emphasis is placed more on physical ideas than on advanced mathematical or numerical solution methods.

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English tutorial course for students enrolled in the Master 1 Physics program who wish to become proficient 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 essential for all physics courses, as it lays the groundwork 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 necessary knowledge for understanding LASERs, 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 in the form of oral presentations. The work is organized into eight-hour sessions for which a topic is chosen by the students. They record their results and analyses in a laboratory notebook based on the protocols used in laboratories. At the end of the semester, students choose a topic, which they develop in the form of a final report that they defend orally. This course prepares students for the internships they will undertake during their studies.

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

The range of experiments on offer covers the areas of physics taught in the various physics courses. Students must choose from among the different experiments those that seem most relevant to their interests. A significant effort has been made to integrate new data acquisition technologies and the use of computer tools in order to compare experiment and theory.

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This course includes an upgrade and deepening of programming techniques as well as an introduction to computational physics. We will begin with a review of procedural programming using the Python 3 language. We will then take an in-depth look at numerical methods relevant to physics, studying a selection of classic algorithms from numerical analysis and applying them to physical problems.

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This course is intended as an introduction to astroparticle physics (cosmic accelerators, gamma rays, multi-messengers, experimental techniques, etc.).

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

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

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This course aims to introduce and develop several fundamental concepts and tools of non-relativistic quantum physics necessary for understanding the physical processes describing the interactions between the elementary constituents of matter and radiation. We will also address 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 ensemble; 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. We will begin by listing elementary particles and their interactions. Then we will see how to use Lie group theory to classify these elementary particles. Finally, we will discuss the concept of electromagnetic interactions for charged particles without spin (scalar electrodynamics theory).

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Fluid mechanics is a fundamental tool for the sciences of the Universe: from 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 builds on the "Hydrodynamics" course, focusing on three central themes in astrophysics: rotating fluids, thermal convection, and magnetohydrodynamics.

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This 7-week internship (usually from late April to late June) (10 ECTS) will give students their first taste of research in astrophysics, cosmology, or particle physics. Internships at the intersection of these disciplines, more commonly known as "astroparticles," are also available. Internships may be more theoretical or more experimental in nature, depending on the choices of students and supervisors.

This internship can be carried out in a research laboratory in France or abroad. However, it traditionally takes place in one of the two joint research units (UMR) at Montpellier 2 University: the Montpellier Laboratory of Universes and Particles (LUPM, IN2P3) or the Charles Coulomb Laboratory (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 would prefer to develop in their future studies.

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