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 2019/0

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.

Essential Reading and Resource List

Click the following link to access the reading list for this module via our new interactive reading list software:

https://whelf-cardiff.alma.exlibrisgroup.com/leganto/public/44WHELF_CAR/lists/6035331910002420?auth=SAML 

This will give you information such as where to find items in the library and links to relevant online materials.  


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