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Part III (MMath/MASt)

 

Please take this page in conjunction with the Part III Guide to Courses Astrophysics section.

The suite of astrophysics courses offered in Part III covers an enormous diversity of physical processes and mathematical techniques; it is thus difficult to assign general prerequisites. In any case, a number of the courses are almost fully self-contained.

Prerequisite areas


Mathematical Methods and Dynamics

All Astrophysics courses require basic mathematical skills and certain mathematical techniques.

Relevant undergraduate courses are (for relevant schedules, example sheets and exam questions, refer to the General Resources):

  • Part IA Differential Equations, Vectors & Matrices, Vector Calculus, Dynamics & Relativity
  • Part IB Methods
  • Part II Classical Dynamics

Useful resources

  • Lecture Notes for Part IA Vector Calculus by Professors Allanach and Evans.
  • Lecture Notes on separation of variables (Part IB Methods) by Professor Josza.
  • Lecture Notes on Greens functions for PDEs (Part IB Methods) by Professor Josza.

 


Fluid Mechanics

A basic understanding of fluid mechanics is needed for all courses, except for "Planetary System Dynamics" and "The Life and Death of Galaxies".

Relevant undergraduate courses are (for relevant schedules, example sheets and exam questions, refer to the General Resources):

  • Part IB Fluid Dynamics
  • Part II Fluid Dynamics II

Useful resources

  • Chapters 1-8 of Elementary Fluid Dynamics by D.J. Acheson (Oxford), as suggested in the formal prerequisites.
  • Lectures notes for Part II Fluid Dynamics II by Prof. Proctor.

Basic Thermodynamics

Part IB Quantum Mechanics is needed (or a prerequisite) for the course Structure and Evolution of Stars. It isn't needed for any other course.

A basic understanding of thermodynamics is needed for all courses, except for "Planetary System Dynamics".

The relevant undergraduate course is (for relevant schedules, example sheets and exam questions, refer to the General Resources):

  • Part II Statistical Physics

Useful resources


Basic Electromagnetism

Electromagnetic concepts arise in Astrophysical Fluid Dynamics, and Dynamics of Astrophysical Discs.

The relevant undergraduate courses are (for relevant schedules, example sheets and exam questions, refer to the General Resources):

  • Part IB Electromagnetism
  • Part II Electrodynamics

Useful resources