To explain strategies for, and encourage confidence in, solving unseen problems in astrophysics using approximate or exact analytical methods and computational techniques.

To demonstrate the broad range of applicability of relatively simple fundamental ideas to astrophysical situations.

To nurture written and oral presentation skills and team working in the context of astrophysical problem solving.

To develop an appreciation of the relations between disparate branches of astrophysics through the underlying physical theory.

Identify the key physical ideas underpinning mathematical models of astrophysical objects and processes.

Translate astrophysical problems into mathematical form.

Make order-of-magnitude estimates of relevant quantities.

Obtain exact analytical solutions in simple unseen problems.

Construct and run simple numerical models of astrophysical processes.

Demonstrate an ability to work in groups.

Present both written and oral reports relating to the problems they have solved during the module.

Two hour staff contact time per week with marked exercises, group work, presentations and computing.

Communications skills.  Problem solving.  Mathematics.  Personal skills.  Investigative skills.  Computing skills.  Analytical skills.

Coursework 100%.

The subject matter will based on ideas introduced in PX1224, PX1225, PX2136, PX 2237 and core physics modules but will take these further but still focussing on simple physical ideas, including:

Newtonian Mechanics, especially in rotating systems.
Orbits in Newtonian gravity, i.e. extensions of Kepler’s Laws.
Use of Gauss’ law in gravitational astrophysics.
Applications of the Virial theorem.
Properties of black-body radiation.
Ideal gases.
Simple ideas from quantum theory.

The emphasis will be on solving more difficult problems using a mixture of analytical and numerical techniques, and especially developing an understanding of the importance of symmetry and conservation laws in simplifying calculations.

The module will consist of three components:

Pencil-and-paper exercises consisting of relatively short problems requiring either exact solution or some form of approximate treatment (e.g. dimensional analysis).
A “mini-project” in the form of a problem that requires numerical solution (assessed by written report).
A group exercise in which students work together to prepare a short lecture on an appropriate topic (assessed by a presentation).

Directed reading by the module presenters.