Galaxies

Module overview

We will start from outlining fundamental questions we must answer in order to build up a picture of an astrophysical object, e.g., what is it made of? How luminous? How big? How old? How fast? How heavy? These seemingly simple questions are surprisingly difficult to answer but we will cover the different astrophysical tools used to answer them. We will then move outwards to consider the demography, spatial distribution, and environment of galaxies, in the ‘field’ and in clusters. We will then consider galaxies very distant from us in space and time, discuss galaxy formation and evolution, and have an overview of Active Galaxies, super-massive black holes and their co-evolution with their host galaxies.

Linked modules

Pre-requisite: PHYS1005

Aims and Objectives

Learning Outcomes

Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

Investigate the physics behind galaxy motions
Outline the relationships between dark matter, galaxies, and the large-scale structure of the Universe
Differentiate the relevant physical processes in active galaxies
Interpret the structural and evolutionary differences of spiral and elliptical galaxies

Transferable and Generic Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

Develop mathematical tools for applied physics
Formulate links between statistics and physics

Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

The structural, morphological, environmental, and spectral differences of galaxies.
Environment of galaxies and its connection to galaxy evolution
The differences between the spectra of stars and galaxies.
Main families of high-redshift galaxies

Learning and Teaching

Teaching and learning methods

Q&As via zappers In-class group activities On-line group activities Blogs Videos, Movies

Study time
Type	Hours
Lecture	36
Completion of assessment task	16
Revision	10
Follow-up work	18
Preparation for scheduled sessions	18
Wider reading or practice	52
Total study time	150

Resources & Reading list

General Resources

Module notes on Blackboards.

Web-sites of additional Lectures. Provided in class..

Textbooks

S S Sparke & J S Gallagher (2007). Galaxies in the universe: an introduction. Cambridge University Press.

An introduction to modern astrophysics. Carroll & Ostlie.

Galaxies & Galactic Structure. Elmegreen.

Galaxy Formation and Evolution. Mo, van den Bosch, White.

The Structure and Evolution of galaxies. Phillips.

Assessment

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Continuous Assessment	20%
Final Assessment	80%

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Set Task	100%

Repeat

An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Set Task	100%

Repeat Information

Repeat type: Internal & External