Module Information
Module Identifier
PH34610
Module Title
Galaxies
Academic Year
2017/2018
Co-ordinator
Semester
Semester 1
Pre-Requisite
PH24610
Other Staff
Course Delivery
| Delivery Type | Delivery length / details |
|---|---|
| Lecture | 22 x 1 Hour Lectures |
Assessment
| Assessment Type | Assessment length / details | Proportion |
|---|---|---|
| Semester Exam | 2 Hours Written Examination | 70% |
| Semester Assessment | 4 Coursework assignments | 30% |
| Supplementary Exam | 2 Hours | 100% |
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
1. Classify the main galaxy types.
2. Describe the evolution of the main galaxy types.
3. Describe the essential morphological, dynamical, and chemical properties of galaxies in the local Universe.
4. Present a knowledge of the simple physics of galactic systems.
5. Summarise the key processes involved in Active Galactic Nuclei.
Brief description
The course provides an overview to galactic astrophysics, considering galactic formation, dynamics and evolution.
Content
The physical properties, structure and morphology of the galaxies are studied. The subject of galactic dynamics is introduced.
The development of different branches of astronomy, such as radio, x-ray and y-ray astronomy has greatly enlarged the radius of the observable Universe and uncovered many strange objects that have provided a major stimulus to the whole of physics.
The kinetics of galactic rotation indicates the controlling influence of hidden mass distributed throughout a volume of space much larger than the limits of the Galaxy previously imagined.
The presence of hidden mass is also indicated by the kinetics of clusters of galaxies. The accretion of mass under the pull of a strong central gravitational field, possibly centred on a black hole, is thought to provide the energy to fuel quasars and radio galaxies.
The development of different branches of astronomy, such as radio, x-ray and y-ray astronomy has greatly enlarged the radius of the observable Universe and uncovered many strange objects that have provided a major stimulus to the whole of physics.
The kinetics of galactic rotation indicates the controlling influence of hidden mass distributed throughout a volume of space much larger than the limits of the Galaxy previously imagined.
The presence of hidden mass is also indicated by the kinetics of clusters of galaxies. The accretion of mass under the pull of a strong central gravitational field, possibly centred on a black hole, is thought to provide the energy to fuel quasars and radio galaxies.
Module Skills
| Skills Type | Skills details |
|---|---|
| Application of Number | The majority of questions in the assignments and formal examinations will contain numerical problems. |
| Communication | Written communication is developed via the coursework. |
| Improving own Learning and Performance | Coursework is used in order that students might reflect on their progress during the module. |
| Information Technology | Students will be required to research topics within the module via the internet. |
| Personal Development and Career planning | The module will highlight the latest developments in this field and hence will assist with career development. Analytical skills have wide applicability. |
| Problem solving | Problem solving is a key skill in physics and will be tested via the problem questions posed in the coursework and examination. |
| Research skills | Students are required to research topics relevant to the module. |
Notes
This module is at CQFW Level 6