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.

Three 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.

Continuous Assessment

The subject matter will be based on ideas introduced in PX1224, PX1225, PX2136, PX2237 and core physics modules but will take these further but still focusing 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:

Nine unseen problems that the students will tackle in groups in class. The assessment of these is based on a written report, possibly including a program, that each group will produce by the end of the class.
Group presentations that will be produced outside class and given at the beginning of each session.
Two larger problems that the groups will tackle during the course.

Directed reading by the module presenters.

Directed reading by the module presenters.