Study information

Galaxies and High Energy Astrophysics - 2023 entry

MODULE TITLEGalaxies and High Energy Astrophysics CREDIT VALUE15
MODULE CODEPHY3066 MODULE CONVENERDr Sebastiaan Krijt (Coordinator)
DURATION: TERM 1 2 3
DURATION: WEEKS 11
Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated) 59
DESCRIPTION - summary of the module content

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).

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)
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 - summary of the structure and academic content of the module
I. Introduction and astronomy background
II. 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
III. 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
IV. 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 Guided Independent Study 128 Placement / Study Abroad
DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS
Category Hours of study time Description
Scheduled learning & teaching activities 20 hours 20×1-hour lectures
Scheduled learning & teaching activities 2 hours 2×1-hour problems/revision classes
Guided independent study
 30 hours 5×6-hour self-study packages
Guided independent study
 16 hours 4×4-hour problem sets
Guided independent study
 82 hours Reading, private study and revision

 

ASSESSMENT
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT - for feedback and development purposes; does not count towards module grade
Form of Assessment Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Guided self-study (0%) 5×6-hour packages (fortnightly) 1-9 Discussion in class
4 × Problems sets (0%) 4 hours per set (fortnightly) 1-9
Solutions discussed in problems classes.
 
       
       
       

 

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)
Coursework 0 Written Exams 100 Practical Exams
DETAILS OF SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Form of Assessment % of Credit Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Final Examination 100% 2 hours 30 minutes (May/June) 1-8 Mark via MyExeter, collective feedback via ELE and solutions.
         
         
         
         

 

DETAILS OF RE-ASSESSMENT (where 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

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

RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES
An original assessment that is based on both examination and coursework, tests, etc., is considered as a single element for the purpose of referral; i.e., the referred mark is based on the referred examination only, discounting all previous marks. In the event that the mark for a referred assessment is lower than that of the original assessment, the original higher mark will be retained.
 
Physics Modules with PHY Codes
Referred examinations will only be available in PHY3064, PHYM004 and those other modules for which the original assessment includes an examination component - this information is given in individual module descriptors.
RESOURCES
INDICATIVE LEARNING RESOURCES - The following list is offered as an indication of the type & level of
information that you are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Convener
ELE:
 

Reading list for this module:

Type Author Title Edition Publisher Year ISBN
Set Sparke, L.S. and J. S. Gallagher III Galaxies in the Universe: An Introduction 2nd edition CUP 2007 978-0-52-167186-6
Extended Binney, J. and S. Tremaine Galactic Dynamics Princeton University Press 1988 0-691-08445-9
Extended Binney, J. and M. R. Merrifield Galactic Astronomy Princeton University Press 1998 0-691-02565-7
Extended Draine, B. T. The Physics of the Interstellar and Intergalactic Medium Princeton University Press 978-0-691-12214-4
Extended Longair, M. High Energy Astrophysics: Particles, Photons and Their Detection, Vol. I 2nd edition Cambridge University Press 1992 0-521-38773-6
Extended Longair, M. High Energy Astrophysics: Stars, the Galaxy and the Interstellar Medium, Vol. II 2nd edition Cambridge University Press 1994 0-521-43584-6
Extended Rybicki, G.B. and A. L. Lightman Radiative Processes in Astrophysics Wiley 2004 0-471-82759-2
CREDIT VALUE 15 ECTS VALUE 7.5
PRE-REQUISITE MODULES PHY1021, PHY1022
CO-REQUISITE MODULES
NQF LEVEL (FHEQ) 6 AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING No
ORIGIN DATE Thursday 15th December 2011 LAST REVISION DATE Thursday 26th January 2023
KEY WORDS SEARCH Physics; Astronomy; Galaxy; Star; Radiation; Observations.

Please note that all modules are subject to change, please get in touch if you have any questions about this module.