Module: Theoretical Astrophysics

Module Specifications..

Current Academic Year 2023 - 2024

Please note that this information is subject to change.

Module Title	Theoretical Astrophysics
Module Code	PS526
School	School of Mathematical Sciences
Module Co-ordinator	Semester 1: Turlough Downes Semester 2: Turlough Downes Autumn: Turlough Downes
Module Teachers	Turlough Downes Maria Chernyakova
NFQ level	9	Credit Rating	7.5
Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

Repeat examination

Description

Graduate astrophysics

Learning Outcomes

1. Appraise the use of a variety of models for the dynamics of plasmas in different astrophysical systems
2. Identify the key assumptions in deriving the shock relations in plasmas
3. Summarise the primary process by which non-thermal particles are accelerated.
4. Identify and describe radiative processes leading to the observed X-ray and gamma-ray emission.
5. Differentiate between the various radiative processes relevant to a variety of astrophysical systems

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full-time hours per semester
Lecture	24	Traditional lecture format, designed to support the student learning more independently during the workshops.
Workshop	24	The students will work in groups to investigate pre-defined problems which are based on lecture material. When appropriate groups will be asked to elect one member to present their work to the class.
Independent Study	140	The student will be assigned reading to complete independently which will be used during lectures and workshops. In addition, the student will revise the course material in preparation for assessments etc.
Total Workload: 188

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

Plasma Astrophysics
Ideal MHD; non-ideal MHD; multi-fluid MHD; Generalised Ohm's Law

Shocks and astrophysical plasmas
Rankine-Hugoniot relations; ideal MHD; non-ideal MHD; multi-fluid MHD; numerical study of MHD

Astrophysical shocks
The Rankine-Hugoniot relations; J-shocks; C-shocks

Shock acceleration
The Fermi process; Acceleration power-law distribution; Acceleration time-scales

Radiative Processes
Thermal radiation; radiative transfer; synchrotron emission; Thomson scattering; Synchrotron Emission, Inverce Compton Emission, Hadronic Emission

Star Formation
Jeans instability; Stages of gravitational contraction; accretion processes;

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	10%	Examination Weight	90%

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Course Work Breakdown
Participation	Participation in weekly workshops, including partaking actively and constructively in discussions and having read assigned reading, will be assessed. The assessment will be performed by the lecturer during the workshops and one twelfth of the total mark is assigned to each workshop.	10%	Every Week

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

GB Rybicki and AP Lightman: 0, Radiative processes in astrophysics,
Bellan, Paul Murray, Cambridge University Press, c2006: 0, Fundamentals of plasma physics,
Shu, F, University Science Books: 0, Physics of Astrophysics Vol II,

Other Resources

None

Programme or List of Programmes

AMPM	MSc
AMPT	PhD-track
BTPD	PhD
BTPM	MSc
BTPT	PhD-track
CHPD	PhD
CHPM	Master of Science
CHPT	PhD-track
MSAR	MSc in Astrophysics and Relativity
NSPD	PhD
NSPT	PhD-track
PHPM	MSc
PHPT	PhD-track
PYPM	Master of Science
PYPT	PhD-track

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