PHY3066 - Module Description

MODULE TITLE	Galaxies and High Energy Astrophysics					CREDIT VALUE	15
MODULE CODE	PHY3066		MODULE CONVENER			Dr S. Krijt

DURATION	TERM	1	2	3	Number Students Taking Module (anticipated)		59
	WEEKS		T2:01-11

DESCRIPTION – summary of the module content (100 words)

This module applies the two main techniques of astronomy - astronomical observations and theoretical modelling - in order to understand galaxies in the Universe, including the Milky Way, and their physical processes. These systems are studied at a more advanced level than in PHY2030 and the module complements PHY3063 Stars, which covers the small-scale universe (e.g. stellar astrophysics).

MODULE AIMS – intentions of the module

This module aims to develop an understanding of the physics of galaxies, their constituents, and their evolution over cosmological time. The fascination that these objects hold is due in part to the challenge of extracting information from objects so faint and distant, and in part to the exotic physics of dark matter, black holes, non-Newtonian gravity, quasars and the expansion of the Universe. By the end of this module, students should be able to digest galaxy-related material on the web and in the popular scientific press, and begin to engage with the astrophysics literature, as a means of updating their knowledge in this fast-moving field. This module also provides the student with a practical primer in the radiation processes fundamental to astronomical observations.

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs) (see assessment section below for how ILOs will be assessed)

On successful completion of this module you should be able to:

Module Specific Skills and Knowledge:

use physical models to describe the structure, constituents and dynamics of galaxies throughout the Universe, including the Milky Way;
identify and discuss observational techniques that provide evidence for these models; solve problems involving, and extract information from, observational data;
recognise different astrophysical radiation processes; apply the equation of radiative transfer in simple situations; identify the physical properties of the emitting source which control the output radiation;
discuss how and why galaxies form and evolve in time and space, with reference to theory and observational evidence.

Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge:

solve mathematical problems;
apply knowledge of physical processes and observing techniques to identify and explain astronomical objects;
engage with the astrophysics literature on galaxies;

Personal and Key Transferable / Employment Skills and Knowledge:

develop self-study skills;
work in order to meet deadlines.

SYLLABUS PLAN – summary of the structure and academic content of the module

Introduction and astronomy background
Our Galaxy
1. Structure and constituents of the Milky Way
2. Disk kinematics: the Galactic rotation curve and kinematic distances
3. Disk dynamics: circular motion in a gravitational potential; evidence for dark matter
4. The Galactic Bulge / Bar and the Galactic Centre
5. The black hole candidate Sgr A*: theory and observational evidence
6. The Galactic Halo: globular clusters and the virial theorem
High energy radiation processes
1. The equation of radiative transfer
2. Continuum emission from stars and dust
3. Bremsstrahlung or free-free radiation
4. Synchrotron emission
5. Compton and inverse Compton scattering
Galaxies beyond the Milky Way
1. Beyond the Milky Way: introduction to galaxies from the Big Bang to the Local Group
2. Galaxy classification
3. Spiral galaxies: structure/constituents, the Tully-Fisher scaling relation, star formation, spiral arms and supernova feedback
4. Elliptical galaxies: structure/constituents; the Fundamental Plane scaling relations
5. Active Galactic Nuclei phenomenology and unification, black hole accretion and the Eddington luminosity
6. Jet astrophysics: superluminal motion and relativistic beaming
7. Galaxy formation and evolution
8. Gravitational lensing

LEARNING AND TEACHING

LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS (given in hours of study time)

Scheduled Learning & Teaching activities

22 hours

Guided independent study

128 hours

Placement/study abroad

0 hours

DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS