PHY-20028 - Module Specification
School of Chemical and Physical Sciences
Faculty of Natural Sciences

Programme/Approved Electives for 2024/25

Available as a Free Standing Elective

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2024/25

This module is a core requirement for students in the second year of a single-honours BSc in Physics with Astrophysics. It introduces many of the key observations of normal and active galaxies, and the astrophysics that explains them. It builds upon the first-year study of mechanics, Newtonian gravity and stellar structure, plus some aspects of electromagnetism and thermodynamics from first and second years, to develop an understanding of the internal structures, dynamics and long-term evolution of self-gravitating stellar systems. Dark matter is a recurring theme. Further core physics and astrophysics are adapted to calculate physical processes involving stars and gas around the supermassive black holes in galactic nuclei. Aspects of galaxy clusters, including the hot gas that pervades them, are introduced in empirical terms and analysed physically. An associated laboratory component is designed to give broader experience with the acquisition and analysis of astronomical data in general. Assessment is by problem sheets, logs and formal reporting of lab work, and an exam.

This module aims to introduce, consolidate and interpret in physical terms the main features of galaxies and other self-gravitating stellar systems in the Universe. It applies and extends concepts from prior core studies in physics and astrophysics, to develop a systematic physical framework for describing and analysing the properties of and interrelationships between the stars, dark matter and gas in galaxies and galaxy clusters.

Intended Learning Outcomes

describe quantitatively the structure and dynamics of the Milky Way Galaxy and its main components, and how these relate to other galaxies: 1,3
analyse the structure and dynamics of galaxies, star clusters and clusters of galaxies using Newtonian mechanics and gravity: 1,3
interpret physically the properties of normal and active galaxies, including dark matter contents, scaling relations along the Hubble sequence and the unified model of active galactic nuclei: 1,3
calculate physical processes in the nuclei of galaxies involving accretion onto black holes and the emission and absorption of radiation: 1,3
apply fundamental physics to calculate the dynamical state of groups and clusters of galaxies, their intracluster gas and their dark matter content: 1,3
perform practical work in observational astronomy and astronomical data analysis at a second-year undergraduate level; keep accurate accounts of that work including professionally maintained records of purpose, methodology and results; and communicate the processes and results in formal, written reports: 2

Study hours

Active Learning Hours:
Lectures: 24 hours
Tutorials: 12 hours
Practical (lab) sessions: 18.5 hours
Exam: 2.5 hours
Independent Study Hours
Completion of problem sheets: 30 hours
Completion of lab report(s): 12 hours
Private study (including exam revision): 51 hours

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment