Module: Extragalactic Astrophysics

Module Specifications.

Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025

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Date posted: September 2024

Module Title	Extragalactic Astrophysics
Module Code	PS528 (ITS) / ASP1008 (Banner)
Faculty	Science & Health	School	Mathematical Sciences
Module Co-ordinator	David Long
Module Teachers	-
NFQ level	9	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	Not Available
Co-requisite	Not Available
Compatibles	Not Available
Incompatibles	Not Available

Repeat examination

Description

This module focuses on a general understanding of the properties of galaxies and the intergalactic medium, along with the different observational techniques used to study them.

Learning Outcomes

1. Interpret basic astronomical data, extract relevant parameters
2. Assess the most appropriate observational techniques for variety of systems.
3. Explain galactic rotation and discuss the impact of dark-matter on rotation curves.
4. Describe the different building blocks of galaxies
5. Summarise the formation processes of galaxies, and their impact on observables.
6. Understand the role of magnetic fields in different cosmic environments
7. Discuss the nature of the intergalactic medium on different cosmic scales and times

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full-time hours per semester
Lecture	24	No Description
Workshop	12	Practical application of analysing observational data
Independent Study	89	No Description
Total Workload: 125

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

Galaxies
Structure of galaxies, galactic rotation curves, dark matter, formation of galaxies, active galactic nuclei

Observational techniques
Telescopes, photometry, spectroscopy, interferometry, signal-to-noise, data reduction, comparing data to models

The intergalactic medium
The intracluster medium, filaments of the large scale structure, the “missing baryon” problem.

Cosmic magnetic fields
Magnetic fields in galaxies and the intergalactic medium, origin and evolution of magnetic fields.

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	25%	Examination Weight	75%

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Course Work Breakdown
Assignment	Bi-weekly assignments covering the topics discussed	25%	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

P. Schneider: 0, Extragalactic Astronomy & Cosmology,
M. Longair: 0, Galaxy Formation,
Mo, van den Bosch & White: 0, Galaxy Formation and Evolution,
Klein & Fletcher: 0, Galactic and Intergalactic Magnetic Fields,
Thompson, Moran & Swenson: 0, Interferometry and Synthesis in Radio Astronomy,
Binney & Tremaine: 0, Galactic Dynamics,

Other Resources

None