COURSE GOALS: The goal is to familiarize students with the structure, evolution and formation of galaxies, as well as the most important concepts of modern observational astrophysics. The course is an extension of courses "Introduction to astrophysics" and "Physics of stars" and sets a step forward towards fifth year and PhD-level courses. The course students are prepared for independent research in astrophysics, and especially observational cosmology.
LEARNING OUTCOMES AT THE LEVEL OF THE PROGRAMME:
1. KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING
1.1 formulate, discuss and explain the basic laws of physics including logic and mathematical structure, experimental confirmation and description of related physics
1.4 describe the state of the art in - at least- one of the presently active physics specialities
2. APPLYING KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING
2.1 identify the essentials of a process/situation and set up a working model of the same or recognize and use the existing models
2.2 evaluate clearly the orders of magnitude in situations which are physically different, but show analogies, thus allowing the use of known solutions in new problems;
2.3 apply standard methods of mathematical physics, in particular mathematical analysis and linear algebra and corresponding numerical methods
2.6 perform experiments independently using standard techniques, as well as to describe, analyze and critically evaluate experimental data
3. MAKING JUDGEMENTS
3.2 develop a personal sense of responsibility, given the free choice of elective/optional courses
4. COMMUNICATION SKILLS
4.2 present one's own research or literature search results to professional as well as to lay audiences
4.3 develop the written and oral English language communication skills that are essential for pursuing a career in physics
5. LEARNING SKILLS
5.1 search for and use physical and other technical literature, as well as any other sources of information relevant to research work and technical project development (good knowledge of technical English is required)
5.3 carry out research by undertaking a PhD
LEARNING OUTCOMES SPECIFIC FOR THE COURSE:
Upon passing the course, the student will be able to:
- Independently use selected astrophysical methods
- Describe similarities and dissimilarities between globular clusters and galaxies
- Describe the structure of the Milky Way and it's rotational characteristics
- Describe the morphologic classification of galaxies
- Understand galaxy clusters and their relation to the structure of the universe
- Describe the structure of the Local Group
- Describe the evolution of galaxies
- Understand the distance ladder in the universe
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Methods of observational astrophysics
Structure and evolution of stars
Structure and rotation of the Milky Way
Kinematics of stars
Morphological classification of galaxies
Spiral galaxies
Elliptical galaxies
Local Group
Galaxy Clusters and large scale structure
Active galactic nuclei, quasars and the first galaxies
Formation of galaxies
Interaction of galaxies
Remainder of time will be spent on student seminars
REQUIREMENTS FOR STUDENTS: Regular attendance, seminar and problem solving work
GRADING AND ASSESSING THE WORK OF STUDENTS: Grade based on final exam mark, written and oral seminars.
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- L. S. Sparke & J. S. Gallagher, Galaxies in the Universe, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 2000
J. Binney & M. Merrifield, Galactic Astronomy, Princeton Series in Astrophysics, Princeton University Press, Princeton, 1998
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