PX1228: Introduction to Astrophysics
School | Cardiff School of Physics & Astronomy |
Department Code | PHYSX |
Module Code | PX1228 |
External Subject Code | 100415 |
Number of Credits | 10 |
Level | L4 |
Language of Delivery | English |
Module Leader | Dr Matthew Smith |
Semester | Spring Semester |
Academic Year | 2018/9 |
Outline Description of Module
- To introduce the student to some of the most exciting areas of astrophysics
- To show how mathematical physics can be used to investigate every aspect of the Universe
On completion of the module a student should be able to
- Describe the basic physics of how stars and galaxies are formed (the Jeans mass).
- Use the Virial theorem in various astrophysical situations.
- Demonstrate basic knowledge of the physics of supernovae, neutron stars, black holes and supernova remnants.
- Demonstrate a basic knowledge of cosmology and use Friedmann’s equation to explore the evolution of the universe.
- Demonstrate understanding of the subject matter of the course (see below) by answering both essay-style questions and solving unseen numerical problems under examination conditions.
How the module will be delivered
Lectures and marked exercises
Skills that will be practised and developed
Problem solving. Investigative skills. Mathematics. Analytical skills.
How the module will be assessed
Examination and coursework
Assessment Breakdown
Type | % | Title | Duration(hrs) |
---|---|---|---|
Written Assessment | 20 | Introduction To Astrophysics | N/A |
Exam - Spring Semester | 80 | Introduction To Astrophysics | 2 |
Syllabus content
The Sun: The Sun’s interaction with humanity (solar flares, solar wind); the Virial Theorem and its use to estimate the temperature at the centre of the Sun; the Sun’s energy source.
Stellar Evolution: Application of the Virial Theorem to the Sun’s core as an explanation of stellar evolution.
Endpoints of Stellar Evolution: White dwarfs; neutron stars; black holes (the Schwarzschild radius from dimensional analysis); the Sedov phase for supernova remnants.
The Formation of Stars and Galaxies: The Jeans mass, free-fall time.
Basic Cosmology: The distance ladder; the cosmological principle; Hubble’s law; the redshift.
Dark Matter I: Rotation curves of galaxies; the application of the Virial theorem to clusters; gravitational lensing.
Dark Matter II: Active Galactic Nuclei and black holes; gravity waves.
Cosmological models: Derivation of Friedmann’s equation and solutions.
Dark Energy: How it was discovered; what it means.
The Cosmic Microwave Background and Inflation: Blackbody radiation; the detection of the CMB; estimates of the epoch of recombination; Planck’s measurements of cosmological parameters; evidence for an inflationary period from the size of the horizon at the time of recombination.
Background Reading and Resource List
'An Introduction to Modern Astrophysics' by Carroll and Ostile
'Introductory astronomy and astrophysics' by Michael Zeilik, Stephen A. Gregory
http://openstax.org/details/astronomy