PHY3066 2013-2014 - Module Description

PHY3066	Galaxies and High Energy Astrophysics	2013-14
	Dr J. Hatchell

Delivery Weeks:	T2:01-11
Level:	6 (NQF)
Credits:	15 NICATS / 7.5 ECTS
Enrolment:	25 students (approx)

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:
1. solve mathematical problems;
2. apply knowledge of physical processes and observing techniques to identify and explain astronomical objects;
3. engage with the astrophysics literature on galaxies;
Personal and Key Transferable / Employment Skills and Knowledge:
1. develop self-study skills;
2. work in order to meet deadlines.

Syllabus Plan

Introduction
1. Astronomy background.
Our Galaxy
1. Structure and constituents of the Milky Way
2. The Galactic Disk
3. The Galactic rotation curve
4. Motion in a gravitational potential
5. The Galactic bulge or bar
6. The Galactic Centre and its black hole candidate Sgr A*
7. The Galactic Halo
8. Dynamic processes in the Galaxy
9. Galactic magnetic fields
Galaxies
1. Basic properties of galaxies
2. Spiral galaxies
3. Elliptical galaxies
4. Active Galactic Nuclei
5. Galaxy evolution: cosmological framework and observational evidence
6. Modelling galaxy evolution
High Energy Astrophysics
1. The equation of radiative transfer, continuum emission and spectral line emission/absorption
2. Gravitational lensing and dark matter
3. Bremsstrahlung or free-free radiation
4. Cosmic rays
5. The physics of jets: accretion, superluminal motion and relativistic beaming
6. Synchrotron emission and Compton scattering

Learning and Teaching

Learning Activities and Teaching Methods

Description	Study time	KIS type
20×1-hour lectures	20 hours	SLT
2×1-hour problems/revision classes	2 hours	SLT
5×6-hour self-study packages	30 hours	GIS
4×4-hour problem sets	16 hours	GIS
Reading, private study and revision	82 hours	GIS

Assessment

Weight	Form	Size	When	ILOS assessed	Feedback
0%	Guided self-study	5×6-hour packages	Fortnightly	1-9	Discussion in class
0%	4 × Problems sets	4 hours per set	Fortnightly	1-9	Solutions discussed in problems classes.
100%	Final Examination	2 hours 30 minutes	May/June	1-8	Mark via MyExeter, collective feedback via ELE and solutions.

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 978-0-521-67186-6 (UL: 523.112 SPA)

Supplementary texts:

Binney J. and Tremaine S. (1988), Galactic Dynamics, Princeton University Press, ISBN 0-691-08445-9 (UL: 523.112 BIN)
Binney J. and Merrifield M.R. (1998), Galactic Astronomy, Princeton University Press, ISBN 0-691-02565-7 (UL: 523.112 BIN)
Coles P. and Lucchin F. (2002), Cosmology - the Origin and Evolution of Cosmic Structure (2^nd edition), Wiley, ISBN 978-0-471-48909-2 (UL: On Order)
Longair M. (1992), High Energy Astrophysics: Particles, Photons and Their Detection, Vol. I (2^nd edition), Cambridge University Press, ISBN 0-521-38773-6 (UL: 523.01 LON)
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 (UL: 523.01 LON)
Rybicki G.B. and Lightman A.L. (2004), Radiative Processes in Astrophysics, Wiley, ISBN 0-471-82759-2 (UL: 523.01 RYB)

ELE:

http://newton.ex.ac.uk/redirects/ELE/phy3066

Further Information

Prior Knowledge Requirements

Pre-requisite Modules	Vector Mechanics (PHY1021) and 1022
Co-requisite Modules	none

Re-assessment

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

Original form of assessment	Form of re-assessment	ILOs re-assessed	Time scale for re-assessment
Whole module	Written examination (100%)	1-8	August/September assessment period

Notes: See Physics Assessment Conventions.

KIS Data Summary

Learning activities and teaching methods
SLT - scheduled learning & teaching activities	22 hrs
GIS - guided independent study	128 hrs
PLS - placement/study abroad	0 hrs
Total	150 hrs

Summative assessment
Coursework	0%
Written exams	100%
Practical exams	0%
Total	100%

Miscellaneous

IoP Accreditation Checklist	N/A this is an optional module
Availability	unrestricted
Distance learning	NO
Keywords	Physics; Astronomy; Galaxy; Star; Radiation; Observations.
Created	01-Oct-10
Revised	N/A