For Students | Guide to course selection
Astrophysics aims at describing various phenomena in different parts of the universe using physics method. It seeks to deepen our understanding of the world where we live.
The scope of astronomy is extremely wide, such as solar activity, the formation and evolution of stars and planetary systems interstellar phenomena, galaxy formation and evolution, and cosmology, which explores the large-scale structure of the universe and its evolution.
These days, the rapid development of observational technology has sometimes overturned the existing theory with the latest data. This, in turn, prompts the construction of new theory and computer simulations, and then leads to the reexamination of the fundamental physics law.
Moreover, new problems , for example about the origin of life, has been arising. Astronomy is one of the most rapidly advancing field today.
Given that astronomy has such various topics, a broad understanding of basic physics is required, covering classical mechanics, electromagnetism, fluid dynamics, quantum mechanics, nuclear physics and also special and general relativity. This is why students who wants to be an astronomer must understand widely from mathematics to each fundamental physics.
Additionally, the latest observational data also advances the astronomy today so it is needed to master the way and techniques to observation.
From these perspectives, we department offers follow curriculum. For more detail, please see the Common Portal for All Students（https://student.iimc.kyoto-u.ac.jp/）and here（https://www.scphys.kyoto-u.ac.jp/en/education/syllabus.html）.
1st Grade Students
The field of astronomy is extremely wide, so it is important to acquire knowledge in a wide and balanced manner without being overly focused on immediate interests.
Also, since astronomy is the field where theory and observation are closely related, students have to understand the foundation of them.
Recommended courses :
Mathematics courses such as Calculus with Exercises A & B and Linear Algebra with Exercises A & B, physics courses such as Fundamental Physics A & B and Elementary Course of Experimental Physics, and Basic Informatics and Practice of Basic Informatics.
2nd Grade Students
In General Astronomy, students will overview the methods of modern astronomy and the cosmic phenomena revealed through these methods, while also touching upon unresolved issues. In Astronomical observations, various observation techniques and technologies will be introduced, providing an overview of the process of obtaining scientific data.
At this second-year stage, it is desirable to acquire knowledge in fundamental physics and mathematics, including Advanced Course of Electromagnetism, Physics of Wave and Oscillation, Advanced Calculus I & II (Liberal Arts and General Education Courses), Analytical Dynamics 1 & 2, Electromagnetism A, Quantum Mechanics A, Statistical Mechanics A, Mathematics for physics 1 & 2, and Advanced Calculus I & II. These are prerequisites for conducting research in astrophysics. Additionally, training in computational skills is extremely important. Computers are indispensable tools not only for simulation-based research but also for controlling observational equipment and processing large amounts of observational data.
3rd Grade Students
In Fundamental Astrophysics I & II, students will use the basic physics knowledge acquired by the second year to study fundamental physical phenomena in the universe. These courses serve as the foundation for more advanced and specialized lectures and exercises in the second semester of the third year (such as Solar Physics, Stellar Astronomy, Planetary Astrophysics) and in the fourth year (such as Galactic and Interstellar Physics, Observational Cosmology).
Additionally, it is desirable to acquire further knowledge in basic physics (including exercises) such as Quantum Mechanics B & C, Electromagnetism B & C, Statistical Mechanics B, and Continuum Mechanics. These serve as the foundation for more advanced and specialized lectures and exercises in the fourth year. The content of Laboratory Work in Physics C1, 2, 3, 4 involves acquiring basic knowledge related to computers and observational practice.
In Laboratory Work in Physics C1, students will acquire basic technical and knowledge related to computers.
In Laboratory Work in Physics C2, 3, 4, students will expand their knowledge through seminars and exercises and engage in observational practice.
4th Grade Students
In addition to the specialized lectures (mentioned above), more practical research training will be conducted in Special study course.
In S1, the focus is mainly on device development.
In S2, 3, 4, the focus is mainly on observational topics.
In S5, the focus is mainly on theoretical research topics.