* why

Split International Winter Schools in Astrophysics (SIWA) are designed to provide insight into current topics in astrophysics for graduate and senior undergraduate students. They are also an opportunity for students to acquaint themselves with the University of Split MSc astrophysics programme.

Because the lecturing format of the Winter Schools closely resembles that of the MSc astrophysics programme, ETCS points are awarded to attendees upon successful completion of the school.

* what

Each year SIWA covers one of the exciting topics in astrophysics. SIWA '07 is an introduction to two of the youngest astrophysical
subdisciplines: extrasolar planets and astrobiology.

SIWA '07 is modeled upon the "Extrasolar Planets & Astrobiology" course offered in the astrophysics programme at the University of Split. The attendees are awarded 4 ETCS points for successful completion of the school.

Lectures at the school will include topics in theory, observations and experiment.

The school will be interactive - attendees will give talks as well as participate in projects designed to provide experience in the basic elements of scientific work. A computer lab and broadband Internet connections will be available for the duration of the
school.

The official language of the school is English. Attendees must be able to communicate effectively in both written and spoken English.

* who

SIWA '07 instructors are also faculty at the University of Split astrophysics programme.
Extrasolar planets will be covered by Günther Wuchterl (TLS, Germany) from theoretical side and Martin Kürster (MPIA, Germany) from the observational aspect. Teaching assistents during the exoplanets week are Mario Jurić (IAS, USA) - theory, and Ana Bedalov (AIU, Germany) - observations.
Astrobiology will be lectured by Kevin Hand (Stanford/IAS, USA) and Christian Müller (B-USOC, Belgium).

            
Günther Wuchterl   &   Kevin Hand

SIWA is intended for senior undergraduate or graduate students. Students who do not have a major in astrophysics or astronomy are also encouraged to apply, but they are expected to have background in physics.

SIWA is open to all students, both international and Croatian.

* when

SIWA'07 will be held from February 19th through March 3rd, 2007.
The school is held during the last two weeks of winter break in order
to encourage participation of undergraduate students.

* where

Lectures will be held at the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Kinesiology in Split.
Accommodation will be offered in the new student dorms
at a reduced rate (around 10 euros/night or less,
depending on the availability of funds).

* organizing committe

Bojan Pečnik (NZZ/FPMZiK Split)
Željko Ivezić (Uni. Washington, Seattle)
Mile Dželalija (FPMZiK Split)
Dejan Vinković (IAS Princeton)
Ana Bedalov (AIU Jena)
Lendra Vrenješ Markić (FPMZiK Split)

For general inquiries send an email to .