Module: Extragalactic Astrophysics

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Extragalactic Astrophysics
Module Code	ASP1008 (ITS: PS528)
Faculty	Mathematical Sciences	School	Science & Health
NFQ level	9	Credit Rating	5

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

Section Breakdown
CRN	20050	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	David Long	Module Teacher

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Assignment	Bi-weekly assignments covering the topics discussed	25%	n/a
Formal Examination	n/a	75%	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

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.

Indicative Reading List

Books:

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,

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None