Registry

Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2012 - 2013
Please note that this information is subject to change.

Module Title	Topics in Astrophysics
Module Code	MS445
School	School of Mathematics
Online Module Resources
Module Co-ordinator	Semester 1: Brien Nolan Semester 2: Brien Nolan Autumn: Brien Nolan
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

Description

To introduce students to galactic and extra-galactic astronomy. In particular to the classification, evolution and dynamics of galaxies with an emphasis on developing a theoretical understanding of the physics involved.

Learning Outcomes

1. Describe the properties of the various classes of galaxies, including the observations of the interstellar medium in the different classes
2. Describe the physical properties of the states of the Interstellar Medium and/or explain theories for their existence
3. Examine gravitational instabilities in self-gravitating fluids using linear stability analysis.
4. Describe the properties of the various types of shocks in the interstellar medium.
5. Derive mathematical descriptions of the motions of large numbers of stars in a galaxy
6. Draw together information from different sources in the scientific literature to present a clear picture of a given topic in galactic astrophysics.

Workload	Full-time hours per semester
*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Lecture	3	Lecture
Tutorial	1	tutorial
Assignment	5	Essay
Independent learning	5	No Description
Total Workload: 14

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

Basics of galactic observations.
Galactic astronomical measurements: positions, motions and coordinate systems. Distances, determined from velocities. Magnitudes and colours..

Galaxy classification.
Disk galaxies. Elliptical galaxies. Abnormal galaxies..

Interstellar Medium.
Various possible states of interstellar medium in a galaxy. Shocks in the ISM..

Gravitational instabilities.
The Jeans stability criterion. Stability of a rotating, self-gravitating disk of gas and the Toomre parameter..

Observations of the Interstellar Medium.
Observations of the ISM in disk and elliptical galaxies.

Stellar Kinematics.
Stellar kinematics in external galaxies. The collisionless Boltzmann equation..

The Milky Way.
Formation and evolution of our own galaxy.

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	30%	Examination Weight	70%

Course Work Breakdown
Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Essay	Write a 3000 word essay on a topic, given a small number of specific research papers on which to base the essay	15%	Week 11
Short answer questions	Class test	15%	Week 10

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
This module is category 1

Indicative Reading List

James Binney and Scott Tremaine: 1994, Galactic Dynamics, Princeton University Press, 0691084459
James Binney and Michael Merrifield: 1998, Galactic Astronomy, Princeton University Press, 0591025657

Other Resources

None

Array

Programme or List of Programmes

BSSA

Study Abroad (DCU Business School)

BSSAO

Study Abroad (DCU Business School)

ECSA

Study Abroad (Engineering & Computing)

ECSAO

Study Abroad (Engineering & Computing)