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Molecular Universe
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:24:11
Abstract
We will discuss the synthesis of chemical elements and molecules in the universe and introduce basics of molecular quantum mechanics and spectroscopy. Then, we will learn about molecular composition of galaxies, interstellar medium, protostars and protoplanets, Sun and stars, circumstellar envelopes, comets and planetary atmospheres in the Solar system and beyond, origin of life and astrobiology.
Objective
Molecules are found in a large variety of astronomical objects, ranging from comets in the Solar system to galaxies at high redshifts. They are a major component of the interstellar medium and constitute giant molecular clouds. They are detected in the atmospheres of the Sun, red dwarfs and giants, brown dwarfs and giant planets and allow for studying their physical properties, including temperature, chemical compositions and magnetic fields. In this lecture course we will discuss the synthesis of chemical elements and molecules in the universe. We will introduce basics of molecular quantum mechanics and spectroscopy and learn about detection and identification methods in optical and radio astronomy. Then, we will learn about molecular composition of galaxies, interstellar medium, protostars and protoplanets, Sun and stars, circumstellar envelopes, comets and planetary atmospheres in the Solar system and beyond. Finally, we will discuss problems of the origin of life and astrobiology.
Content
Molecular Universe: The Synthesis of Chemical Elements The Synthesis of Molecules in the Universe: Astrochemistry of simple molecules: H2, water, ammonia, methane The Synthesis of Molecules in the Universe: Astrochemistry of complex molecules Molecular Quantum Mechanics and Spectroscopy Detection and identification of molecules: optical and radio astronomy Galaxies Interstellar medium Protostars and Protoplanets Sun and Stars Circumstellar envelopes Comets and the Solar Wind Planetary Atmospheres: Solar system and extrasolar planets Astrobiology and Origin of life
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- MSC
- Frequency
- Every two years
Examination
- Type
- session examination
- Mode
- oral 20 minutes
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture |
Molecular Universe
Does not take place this semester.
|
No time listed | 2 h weekly |
| exercise |
Molecular Universe
Does not take place this semester.
|
|
1 h weekly |