Astrophysics and Cosmology

GENERAL OBJECTIVES:: Providing a knowledge of astrophysical problems connected to the study of the gravitational potential. Such knowledge will leads the students to understand the calculation of a density profile starting from the gravitational potential and viceversa. Particular attention will be addressed to calculation of gravitational potential of a generic distribution of matter by a development in series of Legendre Polynomials. SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES: A - Knowledge and understanding OF 1) To know the properties of homogeneous spheroids OF 2) To understand the procedures underlying the calculation of the gravitational potential of any matter distribution by development in spherical harmonics. B - Application skills OF 3) To be able to calculate a development in spherical harmonics. C - Autonomy of judgment OF 4) To be able to integrate the knowledge acquired in order to apply them in the more general context connected with gravitational waves and cosmology D - Communication skills E - Ability to learn OF 5) Have the ability to consult scientific articles in order to independently investigate some topics introduced during the course.