M1 - Astrophysics-CCP

The Observational Astrophysics 1 Workshop provides an introduction to conducting an observational study (photometry or spectroscopy) of astrophysical objects (stars, nebulae) at the M1 level. Students carry out every step of the process, from planning and conducting observations at the Faculty of Sciences’ astronomical observatory to calibrating and analyzing the data obtained. This module is designed to prepare students for the M2 module “Observational Astrophysics Workshop 2” (HAP905P).

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In this course, we study the theory of general relativity—that is, the modern description of universal gravitation. After a brief review of special relativity, we will familiarize ourselves with the basic concepts of general relativity by examining some accepted particular solutions to these equations in well-defined physical contexts: a weak field at the Earth’s surface, the 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 derive the field equations—that is, 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 a foundation in astronomy and astrophysics, which will be useful in the other astrophysics courses in the master’s program. It also illustrates how concepts from physics are applied to describe astrophysical objects. Most of the concepts covered here will be explored in greater depth later in the^second-year courses.

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Fluids are all around us at all times and on every scale. Understanding fluid mechanics means understanding the mechanics of our surroundings—air and water, in particular. As such, hydrodynamics is part of a physicist’s basic knowledge.

The course “Hydrodynamics” provides an introduction to the mechanics of ideal incompressible fluids (Euler) and Newtonian viscous fluids (Navier-Stokes). Classical flow patterns are presented, along with the concepts of the boundary layer, instability, and turbulence. The focus is on physical concepts rather than on advanced mathematical or numerical solution methods.

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English tutorial course for students in the Master's 1 Physics program who are working toward professional proficiency in scientific English.

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This course is one of the cornerstones of modern physics. It provides a body of knowledge that is strictly necessary for all physics tracks, as it lays the groundwork for the theoretical description of the interaction between the electromagnetic field and elementary quantum systems such as two-level systems, atoms, and molecules. It also provides the knowledge necessary for understanding lasers, modern optical devices, and spectroscopic methods and analyses.

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The purpose of this module is to enable students to compare experimental results with their theoretical knowledge. Particular attention is given to writing up results and presenting them in the form of oral presentations. The work is organized into an eight-hour session for which the students choose a topic. They record their results and analyses in a lab notebook modeled after the protocols used in laboratories. At the end of the semester, students select a topic, which they develop into a final report that they defend orally. This course serves as preparation for the internships students will complete during their program.

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

The range of experiments offered covers the areas of physics taught in the various physics tracks. Students must choose from among these experiments those that best align with their interests. Significant effort is made to incorporate new data-acquisition technologies and the use of computer tools to compare experimental results with theory.

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This course unit covers a review and in-depth exploration of programming techniques, as well as an introduction to computational physics. We will begin with a review of procedural programming using Python 3. We will then take an in-depth look at numerical methods relevant to physics, studying a selection of classical algorithms from numerical analysis and applying them to physics problems.

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

The course builds on the knowledge acquired in the third year of undergraduate studies to offer students a brief introduction to astroparticle physics. After a description of the general context, two examples of detectors used in gamma-ray astronomy will be discussed in detail, followed by an introduction to the physics of multi-messenger astrophysics (particularly through the detection of gravitational waves). The course will then address the physics of cosmic rays (CRs), the issues surrounding the acceleration and propagation of CRs, and the hypothesis that supernova remnants act as galactic accelerators of CRs (description of the first-order Fermi acceleration mechanism).

The course will conclude with a discussion of the cosmological challenges posed by future ground-based and space-based wide-field surveys (LSST and Euclid, in particular).

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This course is designed to introduce and develop several fundamental concepts and tools of non-relativistic quantum physics necessary for understanding the physical processes that describe the interactions between the elementary constituents of matter and radiation. We 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 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 reviewing the elementary particles and their interactions. Next, we will examine 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).

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

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This 7-week internship (usually from around the end of April to the end of June) (10 ECTS) will provide students with their first exposure to the world of research in astrophysics, cosmology, or particle physics. Internships at the intersection of these disciplines—more commonly referred to as “astroparticle physics”—are also available. Internships may have a more theoretical or more experimental focus, depending on the choices of the students and their supervisors.

This internship can be completed at a research laboratory in France or abroad. However, it is traditionally carried out at one of the two UMRs at the University of Montpellier 2: the Montpellier Universe and Particles Laboratory (LUPM, IN2P3) or the Charles Coulomb Laboratory (L2C, INP).

The internship will allow the student to interact with a research team (national and/or international) and begin to explore the research topics they would most like to pursue in their future studies.

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