Module: Topics in Astrophysics

Module Specifications..

Current Academic Year 2023 - 2024

Please note that this information is subject to change.

Module Title	Topics in Astrophysics
Module Code	MS445
School	School of Mathematical Sciences
Module Co-ordinator	Semester 1: Abraham Harte Semester 2: Abraham Harte Autumn: Abraham Harte
Module Teachers	Abraham Harte
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

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; 1 = A resit is available for all components of the module 2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module 3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
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

Programme or List of Programmes

AFU	Age Friendly University Programme
BSSA	Study Abroad (DCU Business School)
BSSAO	Study Abroad (DCU Business School)
HMSA	Study Abroad (Humanities & Soc Science)
HMSAO	Study Abroad (Humanities & Soc Science)
IESA	Study Abroad (Institute of Education)
IESAO	Study Abroad (Institute of Education)
PHA	BSc in Physics with Astronomy
SHSA	Study Abroad (Science & Health)
SHSAO	Study Abroad (Science & Health)

Date of Last Revision

12-SEP-07

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