Physics of Galaxies
Physics of Galaxies (PoG | SPA6305)
Please consult QMPlus for the authoritative information on this module.This course has its own web page.
Year: 3 | Semester: A | Level: 6 | Credits: 15
Lectures: 33 | Lec: 211 212 414 Ex: 415 (notation)Exam: 2.5 hour written paper (80%), coursework (20%)
Practical work: none | Ancillary teaching: weekly exercises, mid-term test
Course organiser: Dr David Tsiklauri | Course deputy:
- Synopsis:
- Galaxies are the building blocks of the universe and deserve the extensive study they now enjoy. This course applies basic physical ideas to astronomical observations, exploring the properties of galaxies themselves and the evolution of structure in the universe.
- Aims:
- The aim of the course is to show how locally-determined physics is applied to the properties of galaxies and clusters of galaxies.
- Outcomes:
- By the end of the course, the successful student should be able to: 1. Categorise the various types of galaxies. 2. Describe how to estimate their properties such as mass and luminosity. 3. Describe how luminosity functions are estimated and explore some of the consequences of the observed functions. 4. Describe the various phenomena observed in normal and active galaxies. 5. Explain these phenomena in terms of simple physical models.
Recommended books:
Comprehensive lecture notes will be available. The following provide supplementary reading. Sparke, L.S. and Gallagher, J.S. Galaxies in the Universe: An Introduction Cambridge University Press, (2000) ISBN 0-521-59740-4 [A good introduction] Kembhavi, AK and Narlikar, JV Quasars and Active Galactic Nuclei Cambridge University Press, (1999) ISBN: 0-521-47989-4 Peterson, B.M. An Introduction to Active Galactic Nuclei Cambridge University Press, (1997) ISBN 0-521-47911-8
