Module: Theoretical Astrophysics

Module Specifications.

Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025

All Module information is indicative, and this portal is an interim interface pending the full upgrade of Coursebuilder and subsequent integration to the new DCU Student Information System (DCU Key).

As such, this is a point in time view of data which will be refreshed periodically. Some fields/data may not yet be available pending the completion of the full Coursebuilder upgrade and integration project. We will post status updates as they become available. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Date posted: September 2024

Module Title	Theoretical Astrophysics
Module Code	PS526 (ITS) / ASP1007 (Banner)
Faculty	Science & Health	School	Mathematical Sciences
Module Co-ordinator	Turlough Downes
Module Teachers	Maria Chernyakova
NFQ level	9	Credit Rating	7.5
Pre-requisite	Not Available
Co-requisite	Not Available
Compatibles	Not Available
Incompatibles	Not Available

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: 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

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