Module: Topics in Astrophysics

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Topics in Astrophysics
Module Code	ASP1001 (ITS: MS445)
Faculty	Mathematical Sciences	School	Science & Health
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

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

Section Breakdown
CRN	20044	Part of Term	Semester 2
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Abraham Harte	Module Teacher

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Assignment	Assignment 1	10%	n/a
Assignment	Assignment 2	10%	n/a
Formal Examination	End-of-Semester Final Examination	80%	End-of-Semester

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

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

Indicative Reading List

Books:

James Binney and Scott Tremaine: 1994, Galactic Dynamics, Princeton University Press, 0691084459
James Binney and Michael Merrifield: 1998, Galactic Astronomy, Princeton University Press, 0591025657

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None