La structure de l'univers

Course content

This 48-hour lecture course introduces the fundamental concepts of contemporary astronomy and astrophysics through the study of celestial bodies and the large-scale structure of the Universe.

Beginning with a contextual overview of cosmic distance scales and the historical decentring of humankind’s place in the Universe, the course proceeds to elucidate the apparent motions of the night sky. It then examines stellar physics in detail, spanning star formation, stellar evolution, and ultimate evolutionary remnants (white dwarfs, neutron stars, and black holes). The dynamics of the Solar System are subsequently analysed—encompassing planetary formation, atmospheres, the greenhouse effect, tidal interactions, and minor bodies—providing a natural transition to the exoplanet revolution and the conditions for habitability. Finally, the curriculum addresses the Universe on the largest scales: the Milky Way, dark matter, active galactic nuclei, and the observational foundations underpinning the standard model of cosmology.

An additional 12-hour module is dedicated to physical science undergraduates to mathematically formalise orbital dynamics (Newton’s laws, Kepler’s laws, and the two-body problem) as well as tidal forces. An equivalent 12-hour project will be assigned to students from other academic disciplines, comprising the critical appraisal of academic articles, alongside relevant podcasts or video material on astronomical themes.

Objectives (and/or specific learning outcomes)

This general introductory course in astronomy and astrophysics provides a broad, cross-disciplinary scientific grounding for science undergraduates, for whom it frequently constitutes their sole formal tuition in the field. It aims to impart a coherent overview of the structure and evolution of the Universe, while forging explicit links with physics, chemistry, geology, and biology. Beyond the acquisition of factual knowledge concerning celestial bodies and the physical processes governing stars and planets, the syllabus is designed to cultivate scientific methodology and inquiry. Drawing upon concrete case studies, it fosters critical thinking by engaging epistemological principles, enabling students to distinguish validated scientific theories from pseudoscience and misleading appearances. Finally, for physical science undergraduates, the course has the additional objective of introducing mathematical modelling and the solution of gravitational equations applied to orbital mechanics. Students following other degree programmes will learn to apply critical scrutiny to astrophysical content disseminated by mainstream media outlets.

Prerequisites and Corequisites

Required and Corequired knowledge and skills

For students enrolled in the Bachelor in Physical Sciences: PHYS-F110 (General Physics I and II).
For students in other curricula (Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Geology, Computer Science): no formal academic prerequisite. Good command of high-school level science (scientific notation, elementary algebra and trigonometry, basic Newtonian mechanics) is sufficient to follow the lectures.

Teaching methods and learning activities

Lectures (48 hours)

Delivered in a lecture theatre, this course draws heavily upon rich scientific iconography, including imagery and spectra from ground- and space-based telescopes, alongside computational models. It alternates between the exposition of physical concepts, their historical context, and interactive case studies designed to stimulate students' critical faculties. This teaching is complemented by an immersive session at the Brussels Planetarium, offering a concrete, spatial visualisation of diurnal, nocturnal, annual, and precessional celestial motions.

Coursework (12 hours)

Physics undergraduates: small-group tutorial sessions focusing on celestial mechanics.
Other degree pathways: an independent study project based on articles, podcasts, and video material relating to astronomy.

References, bibliography, and recommended reading

Seguin and Villeneuve, Astronomie et Astrophysique, De Boeck Université
Lecture slides published by P.U.B. (Presses Universitaires de Bruxelles)
Course webpage on the virtual learning environment: https://uv.ulb.ac.be/course/view.php?id=135520

Course notes

Podcast
Syllabus
Université virtuelle

Contribution to the teaching profile

This unit contributes to the development of core transversal competencies within the Bachelor of Science curriculum:

Acquiring, sustaining, and expanding scientific knowledge: Master the fundamental concepts of astronomy and astrophysics, grasp the hierarchical architecture of the cosmos, and comprehend the physical laws governing the evolution of celestial bodies and the Universe.
Adopting a rigorous scientific approach: Cultivate critical thinking faculties, evaluate theoretical frameworks against observational data, identify methodological biases, and distinguish empirical scientific inquiry from analogical or dogmatic assertions.
Communicating and integrating cross-disciplinary knowledge: Understand the interdependence of foundational disciplines—encompassing physics, chemistry, biology, and geology—through concrete applications in fields such as astrophysics, cosmochemistry, planetary science, and astrobiology.

Other information

Contacts

Titulaire : Thibault Merle – Institut d'Astronomie et d'Astrophysique – Campus de la Plaine, Bâtiment NO, local N4.210 – thibault.merle@ulb.be

Co-titulaire : Rodrigo Alvarez – Observatoire royal de Belgique / Planétarium de Bruxelles – rodrigo.alvarez@oma.be

Campus

Plaine

Evaluation

Method(s) of evaluation

written examination

written examination

Closed question with multiple choices (MCQ)

Written exam

Mark calculation method (including weighting of intermediary marks)

100% written exam

Language(s) of evaluation

french