ELEC-E4530 - Radio Astronomy D, Lecture, 7.1.2025-9.4.2025

Please note! Course description is confirmed for two academic years, which means that in general, e.g. Learning outcomes, assessment methods and key content stays unchanged. However, via course syllabus, it is possible to specify or change the course execution in each realization of the course, such as how the contact sessions are organized, assessment methods weighted or materials used.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

  • After this course the student knows how radio astronomy can be used to study astronomical objects, how radio astronomy complements the data collected with other instruments, and where radio astronomy is the only/superior method for collecting data.
  • The student understands the basic principles of radio telescopes and receivers, from radiometers to bolometers, as well as the various observing methods.
  • She/he can plan and even conduct an observing session at a radio telescope for a given astronomical problem.
  • The student identifies the challenges that radio astronomy faces with the increasing electromagnetic interference, as well as the efforts to avoid them.
  • She/he is able to describe the current developments and future prospects in radio astronomy.

Credits: 5

Schedule: 07.01.2025 - 09.04.2025

Teacher in charge (valid for whole curriculum period):

Teacher in charge (applies in this implementation): Anne Lähteenmäki, Merja Tornikoski

Contact information for the course (applies in this implementation):

CEFR level (valid for whole curriculum period):

Language of instruction and studies (applies in this implementation):

Teaching language: English. Languages of study attainment: English

CONTENT, ASSESSMENT AND WORKLOAD

Content

  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    • Fundamentals of astronomy and radio astronomy. Radio astronomy in Finland.
    • Radio astronomy antennas and receivers.
    • Single-dish radio astronomy and observing methods.
    • Very Long Baseline Interferometry.
    • Radio emission from the Sun, Galactic objects and extragalactic sources.
    • Cosmic Microwave Background.
    • Life in the Universe and search for intelligence.
    • Radio frequency & electromagnetic interference.
    • Future of radio astronomy.

Assessment Methods and Criteria

  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    Exercises, learning assignments, observation work, examinations

Workload

  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    Contact hours. Independent work: observation work, exercises and learning assignments, examination and preparation.

DETAILS

Substitutes for Courses
Prerequisites

FURTHER INFORMATION

Further Information

  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    Teaching Language: English

    Teaching Period: 2024-2025 Spring III - IV
    2025-2026 Spring III - IV

    Registration:

    We may limit the number of students allowed to attend the course.

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Aalto University Code of Academic Integrity and Handling Violations Thereof