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 PHYSICS OF GALAXIES
Code PHYS373
Coordinator Dr AF Font
Physics
Andreea.Font@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2018-19 Level 6 FHEQ First Semester 15

Aims
  • To provide students with a broad overview of these complex yet fundamental systems which interact at one end with the physics of stars and the interstellar medium and at the other with cosmology and the nature of large-scale structures in the Universe
  • To develop in students an understanding of how the various distinct components in galaxies evolve and interact

Learning Outcomes
Interpret physically the properties of normal galaxies along the Hubble sequence
Account for the stellar, gas, dust and dark matter content of galaxies

Describe the formation and evolution of galaxies in a cosmological context.

Analyze the structure and dynamics of galaxies and clusters of galaxies, using advanced classical mechanics and Newtonian gravity.

Apply fundamental physics to calculate the dynamical state of groups and clusters of galaxies, their intracluster gas, and their dark matter content.

Describe large-scale structure in the Universe, the nature of the first galaxies, and their implications for dark matter and cosmology.

Identify, summarise and present the content of research papers relevant for the field of galactic astronomy

Syllabus
1  1

The Structure of Galaxies

Size and basic structure of the Milky Way, the galactic centre. Morphological classification of galaxies. Characteristic light profiles of spirals and ellipticals.

The Content of Galaxies

Ages and distributions of stellar populations. Atomic gas: the 21-cm line, atomic hydrogen in the Milky Way and other galaxies, interstellar clouds, gas motions in the ISM. Ionised gas: exciting stars, Hll regions. Abundances of other elements. Interstellar dust: extinction, reddening, scattering and infrared emission. Size, shape, nature and quantity of dust.

Dynamics & Stability of Galaxies

Rotation o f disc galaxies. Dark matter. The Tully-Fisher relation. Spiral structure. Velocity dispersion in elliptical galaxies and bulges. Relaxation. Time scales. Overview of bsic ideas of galaxy formation. Searches for high redshift and primeval galaxies.

Evolutionary Phenomena in Galaxies

Stellar populations and the spectral evolution of galaxies. The origin and evolution of the chemical elements. Dynamical evolution and interactions of the ISM. Star formation. The Butcher-Oemler effect and the faint blue population at high redshift. Interactions and mergers, hot gas in galaxy clusters, fountains, bridges, starbursts and cooling flows. Morphology - density relations. Galaxy luminosity functions.

Active Galaxies

Quasars, nuclea r black holes, Active Galactic Nuclei, and Unified Schemes.


Teaching and Learning Strategies

Lecture - Standard lectures

Tutorial - Standard tutorials

Tutorials should takeplace in weeks 3, 5, 7, and 11

Teaching Schedule
  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 36
Standard lectures
  4
Standard tutorials
      40
Timetable (if known)     Tutorials should takeplace in weeks 3, 5, 7, and 11
  		       
Private Study 110
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment
EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Seen Written Exam  3 hours  Semester 1  70  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  Final examination Notes (applying to all assessments) - none 
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Coursework  1500-2000 words  Issued in Week 1 - Deadline We  30  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  An extended research essay on a phenomenon introduced in the module 

Recommended Texts
Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.
Explanation of Reading List: