Module PHYS4161: ADVANCED ASTROPHYSICS

Department: Physics

PHYS4161: ADVANCED ASTROPHYSICS

Prerequisites

• Foundations of Physics 2B (PHYS2591) and Stars and Galaxies (PHYS2621) and Foundations of Physics 3A (PHYS3621).

Corequisites

• None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None.

Aims

• This module is designed primarily for students studying Department of Physics or Natural Sciences degree programmes.
• It builds on the modules Stars and Galaxies (PHYS2621) and Foundations of Physics 3A (PHYS3621) and provides a working knowledge of advanced optical techniques used in modern astronomy and of the radiative processes that generate the emission that is studied in a wide range of astronomical observations at an advanced level appropriate to Level 4 physics students.

Content

• The syllabus contains:
• Astronomical Techniques and Advanced Imaging: Introduction to astronomical techniques, review of optical theory, propagation of light through the atmosphere, adaptive Optics, interferometry, sectroscopy, non-optical techniques.
• Radiative Processes in Astrophysics: Review of radiative transfer, accelerated charges, Compton processes, synchrotron and Bremsstrahlung, photoionisation/recombination, line formation, abundances, dust, plasma effect, RM and group velocity.

Learning Outcomes

• Having studied this module students will be aware of advanced optical techniques used in modern astronomy, in particular of high angular resolution imaging techniques and their astrophysical applications.
• They will understand the radiative processes that generate the emission that is studied in a wide range of astronomical observations and will know the observational context of the main theoretical aspects.

• In addition to the acqusition of subject knowledge, students will be able to apply knowledge of specialist topics in physics to the solution of advanced problems.
• They will know how to produce a well-structured solution, with clearly-explained reasoning and appropriate presentation.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• Teaching will be by lectures and workshops.
• The lectures provide the means to give a concise, focused presentation of the subject matter of the module.
• The lecture material will be explicitly linked to the contents of recommended textbooks for the module, thus making clear where students can begin private study.
• When appropriate, lectures will also be supported by the distribution of written material, or by information and relevant links online.
• Regular problem exercises and workshops will give students the chance to develop their theoretical understanding and problem solving skills.
• Students will be able to obtain further help in their studies by approaching their lecturers, either after lectures or at mutually convenient times.
• Student performance will be summatively assessed through an open-book examination and formatively assessed through problem exercises.
• The open-book examination will provide the means for students to demonstrate the acqusition of subject knowledge and the development of their problem- solving skills.
• The problem exercises provide opportunities for feedback, for students to gauge their progress and for staff to monitor progress throughout the duration of the module.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Problem exercises and self-assessment, workshops and problems solved therein.

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University