Module: Topics in Astrophysics

Module Specifications.

Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025

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Date posted: September 2024

Module Title	Topics in Astrophysics
Module Code	MS445 (ITS) / ASP1001 (Banner)
Faculty	Science & Health	School	Mathematical Sciences
Module Co-ordinator	Abraham Harte
Module Teachers	-
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	Not Available
Co-requisite	Not Available
Compatibles	Not Available
Incompatibles	Not Available

Repeat examination
Array

Description

To introduce students to galactic and extra-galactic astronomy. In particular to the classification, evolution and dynamics of galaxies with an emphasis on developing a theoretical understanding of the physics involved.

Learning Outcomes

1. describe the properties of the various classes of galaxies, including the observations of the interstellar medium in the different classes
2. describe the physical properties of the states of the Interstellar Medium and/or explain theories for their existence
3. examine gravitational instabilities in self-gravitating fluids using linear stability analysis.
4. describe the properties of the various types of shocks in the interstellar medium.
5. derive mathematical descriptions of the motions of large numbers of stars in a galaxy
6. draw together information from different sources in the scientific literature to present a clear picture of a given topic in galactic astrophysics.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full-time hours per semester
Lecture	3	Lecture
Tutorial	1	tutorial
Assignment Completion	5	Essay
Independent Study	5	No Description
Total Workload: 14

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Basics of galactic observations
Galactic astronomical measurements: positions, motions and coordinate systems. Distances, determined from velocities. Magnitudes and colours.

Galaxy classification
Disk galaxies. Elliptical galaxies. Abnormal galaxies.

Interstellar Medium
Various possible states of interstellar medium in a galaxy. Shocks in the ISM.

Gravitational instabilities
The Jeans stability criterion. Stability of a rotating, self-gravitating disk of gas and the Toomre parameter.

Observations of the Interstellar Medium
Observations of the ISM in disk and elliptical galaxies

Stellar Kinematics
Stellar kinematics in external galaxies. The collisionless Boltzmann equation.

The Milky Way
Formation and evolution of our own galaxy

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	20%	Examination Weight	80%

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Course Work Breakdown
Assignment	Assignment 1	10%	n/a
Assignment	Assignment 2	10%	n/a

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories: Resit category 1: A resit is available for both* components of the module. Resit category 2: No resit is available for a 100% continuous assessment module. Resit category 3: No resit is available for the continuous assessment component where there is a continuous assessment and examination element.
* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a Continuous Assessment/Examination split; where the module is 100% continuous assessment, there will also be a resit of the assessment
This module is category 1

Indicative Reading List

James Binney and Scott Tremaine: 1994, Galactic Dynamics, Princeton University Press, 0691084459
James Binney and Michael Merrifield: 1998, Galactic Astronomy, Princeton University Press, 0591025657

Other Resources

None