Registry

Module Specifications

Archived Version 2018 - 2019

Module Title	Cosmology & Exoplanets
Module Code	PS405
School	School of Physical Sciences
Online Module Resources
Module Co-ordinator	Prof Miles Turner	Office Number	N105
Module Co-ordinator	Prof Miles Turner	Office Number	N105
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

Description

This course provides the student with a background in modern cosmology and exoplanets. The course presents a physical description of the structure and formation of galaxies, clusters and large-scale structure in an expanding Universe dominated by dark matter and dark energy. The discovery techniques of exoplanets are explained, as are the methods that can be used to characterise their bulk properties and atmospheres. Also included are the evolution of planetary systems and the mechanisms involved.

Learning Outcomes

1. Outline and discuss the structure and kinematics of the Milky Way Galaxy, know properties of supermassive black holes and Sgr A*
2. Understand the formation and merger of galaxies and be able to compare different types of Galaxies
3. Describe categories of active galaxies and models for emission properties
4. Discuss the contents, history and origin of the Universe, know the relation between the contents of the Universe and its evolution.
5. Describe different exoplanet discovery techniques, as well as their biases, limitations and strengths
6. Be able to determine the bulk properties of exoplanets from observational data
7. Describe the different ways in which exoplanet atmospheres can be characterised, and link different methods to the intrinsic properties of the exoplanet atmosphere
8. Describe different scenarios for the formation and evolution of close-in planets

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full-time hours per semester
Lecture	24	2 lectures per week
Tutorial	6	tutorial every second week
Independent Study	80	studying lecture material, solving numerical problems and doing background reading
Total Workload: 110

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 and kinematics of the Milky Way Galaxy. Properties of supermassive black holes and Sgr A*. The types of galaxies, Hubble sequence.

Properties and evolution of galaxies
Fundamental relations: Tully-Fisher, Faber-Jackson, Fundamental Plane, luminosity function. Formation and merger of galaxies. The extragalactic distance scale. Categories of active galaxies and models for emission properties.

Large scale structure of the universe
Galaxy cluster properties. The contents, history and origin of the Universe. Relation between the contents of the Universe and its evolution. Dark matter. The Cosmic microwave background

Early evolution of the universe
Inflation and the very early Universe. Nuclear synthesis and the early Universe. The formation of structure in the early universe

Exoplanet discovery techniques
Discovery techniques: radial-velocity, pulsar timing, astrometry, microlensing, direct imaging, transits, transit-timing variations Keplerian motion and radial-velocity curves

Exoplanet atmospheres
Atmospheric scale-height, temperature-pressure profiles, inversion layers

Measurement techniques
Transmission spectroscopy, secondary eclipse measurements, phase-curves

Planetary formation and evolution
Planetary migration: During planet-formation, scattering, Kozai mechanism

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	20%	Examination Weight	80%

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Course Work Breakdown

Reassessment Requirement
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
Unavailable

Indicative Reading List

P. Schneider: 2006, Extragalactic Astronomy and Cosmology: An Introduction,
Bradley W. Carroll and Dale A. Ostlie: 2007, Modern Astrophysics,
Barbara S. Ryden: 2003, Introduction to Cosmology,
H. Mo, F. van den Bosch & S. White: 2010, Galaxy Formation & Evolution,
S. Phillipps: 2005, The Structure and Evolution of Galaxies,

Other Resources

None

Programme or List of Programmes

PHA	BSc in Physics with Astronomy
SHSA	Study Abroad (Science & Health)
SHSAO	Study Abroad (Science & Health)

Archives: