Module: High Energy Astrophysics

Module Specifications..

Current Academic Year 2023 - 2024

Please note that this information is subject to change.

Module Title	High Energy Astrophysics
Module Code	PS529
School	School of Mathematical Sciences
Module Co-ordinator	Semester 1: Maria Chernyakova Semester 2: Maria Chernyakova Autumn: Maria Chernyakova
Module Teachers	Maria Chernyakova
NFQ level	9	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

Repeat examination

Description

This module focuses on the properties of high energy galactic sources, such as pulsars and X-ray binaries, and processes leading to their formation.

Learning Outcomes

1. Attain a good knowledge of the techniques related to the detection of X-ray and Gamma-ray photons.
2. Critically discuss the high-energy emission properties of X-ray binaries.
3. Understand the physical principles of mass accretion on compact objects (black holes and neutron stars)
4. Quantitatively describe the structure and spectra of accretion disks in their basic form
5. Explain current high energy cosmic ray observations, and describe their features.
6. Summarise the strengths and weaknesses of current theories of star formation.
7. Explain the evolution of stars of a variety of masses, from their formation to their death

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full-time hours per semester
Lecture	24	No Description
Tutorial	12	No Description
Independent Study	79	No Description
Assignment Completion	10	oral presentation on a assigned research paper
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

High energy detectors
X-ray detectors, Gev detectots, TeV detectors, Cosmic Ray detectors

star formation
Jeans instability; Stages of gravitational contraction.

X-ray binaries
Low and high mass X-ray binaries; gamma-ray binaries, colliding wind binaries

pulsars
Various models of radio, X-ray and gamma-ray pulsars.

stellar evolution
difference between the evolution of low and high mass stars, degenerate gas, supernovae, compact objects

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	25%	Examination Weight	75%

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Course Work Breakdown
Assignment	solution of problems given for home work	15%	n/a
Presentation	presentation of recent astrophysical paper	5%	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

Malcolm S. Longair: 0, High Energy Astrophysics, 978-052175618
Bradley W. Carroll,Dale A. Ostlie: 2007, An Introduction to Modern Astrophysics, Addison-Wesley, 0805304029

Other Resources

None

Programme or List of Programmes

AMPM	MSc
BTPD	PhD
MSAR	MSc in Astrophysics and Relativity

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