2026 (Current Year) Faculty Courses School of Science Department of Physics Graduate major in Physics
Astrophysics
- Academic unit or major
- Graduate major in Physics
- Instructor(s)
- Ryuichi Fujimoto
- Class Format
- Lecture
- Media-enhanced courses
- -
- Day of week/Period
(Classrooms) - Class
- -
- Course Code
- PHY.F432
- Number of credits
- 100
- Course offered
- 2026
- Offered quarter
- 3Q
- Syllabus updated
- Mar 5, 2026
- Language
- English
Syllabus
Course overview and goals
This course covers several celestial phenomena in the Universe, as well as physical processes and radiation mechanisms that govern the phenomena. Thanks to developments in astronomical observations in recent years, in particular, the operation of space telescopes, our understanding of celestial phenomena has advanced dramatically. Therefore, this course also describes some state-of-the-art space telescopes and their novel instruments.
The goal of this course is that you understand and can explain the view of the Universe established based on the latest observations from the physics point of view, utilizing your knowledge of mechanics, electromagnetism, thermal and statistical mechanics, quantum mechanics, etc., that you learned so far.
Course description and aims
At the end of this course, you will be able to
1) Explain underlying physics of the various phenomena in the Universe.
2) Explain the phenomena revealed by the latest space observations.
3) Explain the physical mechanism of the radiation from celestial objects.
Keywords
Universe, astrophysics,, astronomy, astronomical objects, observations
Competencies
- Specialist skills
- Intercultural skills
- Communication skills
- Critical thinking skills
- Practical and/or problem-solving skills
- Expertise to apply basic knowledge of physics to understand various phenomena in the Universe.
Class flow
Lectures will be conducted basically using slides. The slides are basically written in English with partial Japanese translation. In principle, lectures will be given in English, but Japanese will also be used as appropriate. The slides will be shared in the LMS, so students should utilize them for preparation and review.
Course schedule/Objectives
| Course schedule | Objectives | |
|---|---|---|
| Class 1 | Basics of the observational astrophysics |
Can explain the hierarchical structure of the Universe, units and coordinates to describe the Universe, basic terms of astronomy |
| Class 2 | Basics of the radiative transfer |
Can explain the basic framework of radiative |
| Class 3 | Compact objects |
Can explain physical properties of compact objects |
| Class 4 | Galaxy clusters and cosmic plasma |
Can explain physical properties of galaxy clusters and cosmic plasma |
| Class 5 | XRISM space telescope and X-ray microcalorimeter |
Can explain the target of XRISM and the operation principle of X-ray microcalorimeters |
| Class 6 | Cosmic microwave background radiation (CMB) |
Can explain what is the CMB and the meaning of its existence |
| Class 7 | LiteBIRD space telescope and millimeter bolometer |
Can explain the target of LiteBIRD and the operation principle of millimeter-wave bolometers |
Study advice (preparation and review)
To enhance effective learning, students are recommended to prepare for and review the class content by referring to the relevant sections of reference books and course material.
Textbook(s)
None required
Reference books, course materials, etc.
・S. Okamura et al., "Series Modern Astronomy (complete 17-volume set)", Nihon Hyouronsha (in Japanese)
・G. B. Rybicki & A. P. Lightman, "Radiative Process in Astrophysics" (John Wiley & Sons, NY)
Evaluation methods and criteria
At the end of each lecture, a simple quiz will be presented, to check whether you reach the goal. 70% is the passing line, but 100% is expected. The final achievement of the goal of this lecture is evaluated based on the submission of the answers to all the quizzes. Evaluation is based on the standard criteria. If the answers are felt to be generated by Chat-GPT etc. the score of evaluation is reduced.
Related courses
- LAS.P101 ： Fundamentals of Mechanics 1
- PHY.E205 ： Electromagnetism
- EPS.B330 ： Fluid Mechanics (EPS course)
- PHY.S209 ： Thermodynamics (Physics)
- PHY.S301 ： Statistical Mechanics
- PHY.F352 ： Physics of the Universe
- PHY.Q207 ： Introduction to Quantum Mechanics
Prerequisites
No prerequisites are necessary, but enrollment of related courses is desirable.
Contact information (e-mail and phone) Notice : Please replace from ”[at]” to ”@”(half-width character).
Prof. Ryuichi Fujimoto, fujimoto.r.42d6[at]m.isct.ac.jp
Office hours
Contact by e-mail in advance to schedule an appointment.