Courses Overview

Basic Information

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Course Description

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the physical processes governing the Sun, the heliosphere, and the diverse bodies of the Solar System. It begins with fundamental concepts in radiative transfer, hydrodynamics, plasma physics, and magnetic fields, establishing the theoretical framework required to understand stellar atmospheres, solar activity, and space weather. Particular emphasis is placed on the Sun–heliosphere system and its interaction with planetary environments, complemented by an overview of modern measurement techniques, including magnetometers, plasma instruments, and energetic neutral atom (ENA) cameras. Students acquire a solid understanding of solar variability, heliospheric dynamics, and their broader implications for planetary systems.

The planetary part of the course explores the formation, structure, evolution, and present-day properties of planets, moons, and minor bodies. Topics include planetary interiors and gravity fields, surface geology and morphology, planetary atmospheres, planet formation and evolution, icy moons, meteorites, dust and rings, and exoplanets. Observational and in-situ measurement techniques—such as imaging spectroscopy, laser altimetry, geodesy, and surface investigations—are discussed in close connection with the physical processes they probe.

Throughout the course, students are introduced to the guiding scientific questions of Solar System exploration and the major debates in planetary science. By the end of the course, they will have acquired a broad and integrated understanding of the components of the Solar System, the tools used to study them, and the physical principles that shape their origin and evolution.

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Course Description

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the physics of galaxies and to modern cosmology. It covers the structure, kinematics, and dynamics of galaxies, with particular emphasis on the Milky Way and its central regions, as well as the morphological classification of galaxies and the fundamental scaling relations that link their global properties. The role of supermassive black holes at the centers of galaxies and their interplay with galactic evolution is also discussed.

Students are introduced to the observational and theoretical tools used to analyze and interpret galactic and extragalactic data, combining analytical approaches with numerical methods.

The course further explores the standard cosmological model and the observational evidence for an expanding universe, including current tensions between theoretical predictions and measurements. It concludes with an overview of galaxy clusters and the large-scale structure of the Universe, highlighting the origin and evolution of cosmic inhomogeneities.

By the end of the course, students will be able to describe the physical principles governing galaxies and galaxy clusters, analyze and interpret observational data, critically assess open questions in galaxy formation and cosmology, and understand contemporary research results reported in peer-reviewed literature.

Basic Information

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Course Description

This course provides a broad and integrated overview of the physical and chemical evolution of matter in the Universe, from the aftermath of the Big Bang to the emergence of potentially habitable environments. It explores primordial and stellar nucleosynthesis, tracing the origin of chemical elements and their subsequent recycling through the cosmic cycle of matter. In this cycle, stars form from interstellar gas and dust, synthesize heavier elements through nuclear fusion, and return enriched material to their surroundings via stellar winds and supernova explosions. The lectures follow this evolutionary pathway through stellar evolution, the interstellar medium, protoplanetary disks, and the formation of planets and minor bodies, highlighting the interconnected processes that shape planetary systems.

Special emphasis is placed on the chemical processes that govern the transformation of matter in astrophysical environments, including equilibrium and non-equilibrium chemistry, photochemistry, dust formation, and grain-surface reactions. The course further examines the chemical prerequisites for habitability and the emergence of life, both within the Solar System and in exoplanetary systems, and discusses the role of comets and minor bodies as reservoirs of pristine material and complex organic molecules.

By the end of the course, students will have acquired a solid understanding of the physical and chemical principles underlying the cosmic cycle of matter, the origin of the chemical elements essential for life, and the pathways leading to habitable environments across the Universe.

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Course Description

This course provides a comprehensive overview of the conception, design, implementation, and operation of scientific space missions, from the initial scientific motivation to data exploitation and long-term archiving. It introduces the major science domains addressed by space missions—planetary science, astrophysics, heliophysics, Earth observation, and fundamental physics—and presents the full mission lifecycle, including mission classes and management frameworks used by ESA and NASA.

Students learn how scientific objectives are translated into mission concepts, science requirements, and instrument designs, and are introduced to a broad range of space instrumentation, such as imaging and spectroscopic systems, laser altimeters, and particle detectors. Core aspects of orbital mechanics, trajectory design, space environment, spacecraft subsystems, and mission operations are also covered, providing a holistic view of how complex space missions are conceived and executed.

The course further addresses ground segment operations, telemetry, data processing pipelines, calibration, archiving, and the long-term scientific exploitation of space-mission data, alongside key topics such as planetary protection, sustainability in space exploration, and emerging mission and instrument concepts.

A central element of the course is a group project in which students design a fictitious space mission in a scientific domain of their choice, inspired by the Alpbach Summer School concept, and retrieve and analyze archival mission data from international repositories (e.g. PDS/PSA). By the end of the course, students will have acquired a thorough understanding of how scientific goals are transformed into space missions, of the technical and organizational challenges involved throughout the mission lifecycle, and of the scientific achievements and future directions of space exploration.

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Course Description

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to telescope systems and astronomical instrumentation, addressing both ground-based and space-based observatories. Building on fundamental concepts of geometrical and physical optics, it covers the principles of image formation, beam propagation, and optical aberrations, and introduces the main types of astronomical telescopes along with their respective advantages, limitations, and design trade-offs. Real-world examples from major observatories and space missions are used to illustrate how scientific objectives drive optical design choices. Where possible, practical exercises using professional optical design tools (e.g. Zemax or Code V) are incorporated to reinforce theoretical concepts.

The course then focuses on astronomical instrumentation, including imagers, spectrographs, interferometers, coronagraphs, and polarimeters. Students learn the underlying physical principles of these instruments and how their design is optimized for specific scientific goals. Key observational techniques, such as adaptive optics and high-contrast imaging, are introduced, together with the fundamentals of planning and executing astronomical observations and performing basic data post-processing.

By the end of the course, students will have acquired a solid understanding of optical system design, telescope architectures, and observational instrumentation, enabling them to critically assess existing facilities and contribute to the development of future astronomical instruments.

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Course Description

This course provides hands-on training in experimental methods and observational techniques in astronomy and planetary sciences. Through a modular structure combining practical observing sessions and laboratory-based experiments, students gain direct experience with a broad range of measurement techniques and fundamental physical principles.

Students accumulate a defined number of experiment points by selecting from a portfolio of experimental modules. Example modules include an immersive observational astronomy week, direct imaging and transit experiments for exoplanet studies, light-scattering measurements, mass spectrometry, impact cratering experiments, vacuum techniques, radio- and microwave observations, and assisted observing shifts at professional observatories. This flexible structure allows students to tailor their experimental training to their scientific interests while developing strong practical skills in experimental design, data collection, analysis, and interpretation.

By the end of the course, students will have acquired a solid foundation in laboratory and observational methods, preparing them for advanced research projects and experimental work in both academic and applied environments.

Basic Information

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Course Description

This course equips students with essential transferable skills crucial to success in academic research, industry, and leadership roles. It provides a practical introduction to project management, including scheduling, budgeting, and risk assessment, enabling students to effectively plan, execute, and lead scientific and technical projects. Particular emphasis is placed on professional communication, with training in scientific writing and the design and delivery of clear, convincing presentations tailored to different audiences.

The course further addresses key apsects of scientific integrity and professional ethics, including authorship, proper attribution of contributions, plagiarism, and responsible use of artificial intelligence tools in scientific work. Students are also introduced to psychological principles that foster productive, inclusive, and psychologically safe working environments, promoting effective teamwork and leadership. In addition, the course presents a broad overview of career pathways beyond academia, through dedicated lectures and interactions with external professionals.

By the end of the course, students will have developed a robust skill set that supports their academic progression, enhances their employability, and prepares them for leadership roles in diverse professional environments.