| Module Title |
Theoretical Astrophysics |
| Module Code |
ASP1007 (ITS: PS526) |
|
Faculty |
Mathematical Sciences |
School |
Science & Health |
|
NFQ level |
9 |
Credit Rating |
7.5 |
|
|
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
|
| Workload | Full time hours per semester | | Type | Hours | Description |
|---|
| 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 |
|
|
| Section Breakdown | | CRN | 10070 | Part of Term | Semester 1 | | Coursework | 0% | Examination Weight | 0% | | Grade Scale | 40PASS | Pass Both Elements | Y | | Resit Category | RC1 | Best Mark | N | | Module Co-ordinator | Turlough Downes | Module Teacher | Maria Chernyakova |
|
| Assessment Breakdown |
| Type | Description | % of total | Assessment Date |
|---|
| 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 | | Formal Examination | The exam will be a standard format 3 hr exam with no choice. | 90% | 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
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;
|
Indicative Reading List
Books:
- 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,
Articles:
None |
Other Resources
None |
|
|
|
|
