Description

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

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)

A student who has passed this module should be able to:

• Module Specific Skills and Knowledge:
  1. use physical models to describe the structure, constituents and dynamics of galaxies throughout the Universe, including the Milky Way;
  2. identify and discuss observational techniques that provide evidence for these models; solve problems involving, and extract information from, observational data;
  3. 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;
  4. discuss how and why galaxies form and evolve in time and space, with reference to theory and observational evidence.
• Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge:
  5. solve mathematical problems;
  6. apply knowledge of physical processes and observing techniques to identify and explain astronomical objects;
  7. engage with the astrophysics literature on galaxies;
• Personal and Key Transferable / Employment Skills and Knowledge:
  8. develop self-study skills;
  9. work in order to meet deadlines.

Syllabus Plan

1. Introduction and astronomy background
2. 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
3. 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
4. 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

Assessment

Resources

The following list is offered as an indication of the type & level of information that students are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Instructor(s).

Core text:

• Sparke L.S. and Gallagher III J.S. (2007), Galaxies in the Universe: An Introduction (2^nd edition), CUP, ISBN 978-0-52-167186-6

Supplementary texts:

• Binney J. and Tremaine S. (1988), Galactic Dynamics, Princeton University Press, ISBN 0-691-08445-9
• Binney J. and Merrifield M.R. (1998), Galactic Astronomy, Princeton University Press, ISBN 0-691-02565-7
• Draine B.T. , The Physics of the Interstellar and Intergalactic Medium, Princeton University Press, ISBN 978-0-691-12214-4
• Longair M. (1992), High Energy Astrophysics: Particles, Photons and Their Detection, Vol. I (2^nd edition), Cambridge University Press, ISBN 0-521-38773-6
• Longair M. (1994), High Energy Astrophysics: Stars, the Galaxy and the Interstellar Medium, Vol. II (2^nd edition), Cambridge University Press, ISBN 0-521-43584-6
• Rybicki G.B. and Lightman A.L. (2004), Radiative Processes in Astrophysics, Wiley, ISBN 0-471-82759-2

ELE:

• http://newton.ex.ac.uk/redirects/ELE/PHY3070

Further Information

Prior Knowledge Requirements

Re-assessment

Re-assessment is not available except when required by referral or deferral.

Notes: See Physics Assessment Conventions.

KIS Data Summary

Miscellaneous