Module Details

The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title TIME DOMAIN ASTROPHYSICS
Code PHYS453
Coordinator Prof P Mazzali
Physics
P.Mazzali@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2021-22 Level 7 FHEQ Second Semester 7.5

Aims

The main aim of this module is to develop an understanding of the variable/transient Universe, and the techniques and facilities used to investigate this realm. Particularly, a good understanding of the physical processes driving phenomena such as, for example, explosive transients, will be sought, along with an appreciation of the wider importance and impact of such systems.


Learning Outcomes

(LO1) Demonstrate a detailed knowledge and understanding of time-domain astrophysics

(LO2) Use the course content to coherently describe the physical nature of variable/transient astrophysical phenomena (e.g. SNe, GRBs)

(LO3) Show familiarity with the specific observational techniques and facilities used to identify and study variable/transient phenomena

(LO4) Conduct independent literature search to gain understanding of an additional time-domain phenomenon


Syllabus

 

1. Historical time domain astrophysics; the context leading to the general state of the field today (e.g. expansion parallax, proper motions, pulsars, etc.)
2. Techniques specific to and developed for time domain astrophysics (e.g. difference image analysis)
3. Facilities developed for or supporting time domain observations; existing and future (e.g. LT2, LSST, SKA, etc)
4. Explosive transient phenomena; Novae, thermonuclear Supernovae, core collapse Supernovae, 'exotic' SNe, Gamma Ray Bursts – characteristics, progenitor systems including formation, populations, importance – general concepts, e.g. Luminosity vs time-scale plot
5. Selected variable (periodic and quasi-periodic) phenomena; e.g. pulsating variables, Cepheids, Miras (link to cosmic distance scale, as with type Ia supernovae), pulsars – characteristics, formation, populations
6. General transients, e.g. tidal disruption events, Luminous blue variables, dwarf novae, general cataclysmic variables, x-ray transients, active galactic nuclei, potential gravitational waves sources – characteristics, formation, populations
7. Extra solar planet discovery techniques, e.g. transits, radial velocity, astrometric, gravitational microlensing


Teaching and Learning Strategies

Teaching Method 1 - Lecture
Description: Lecture/Seminar

this module will be taught as a hybrid, with contact hours both online and in person (where appropriate and in line with guidance)


Teaching Schedule

  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 24

          24
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 51
TOTAL HOURS 75

Assessment

EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
             
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
literature review  -1500 words    50       
literature review  -1500 words    50       

Recommended Texts

Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.