GALACTIC AND EXTRAGALACTIC  ASTROPHYSICS

36 NQF credits at HEQSF level 7

General outline: The aim of this course is to provide a broad introduction to galactic & extragalactic astrophysics and cosmology. The first part of the course (term 3) will focus on Galactic astronomy, and the second part (term 4) will focus on Extragalactic astronomy. Topics will include the composition and kinematics of the Milky Way, other "normal" galaxies, active galaxies, galaxy environments, and galaxy evolution. Current research and hot topics in the area are also discussed and students are encouraged to keep abreast of the latest developments. A further aim is to develop observing and data analysis skills.

Course co-ordinator and lecturer: Dr Jacinta Delhaize, Room 5.33, 5th floor, RW James Building.

Entrance requirements: AST2002H and AST2003H, PHY2004W (or PHY2014F and PHY2015S), MAM2000W (or MAM2004H and MAM2047H)

Lectures: Five lectures per week, Monday to Friday, 2nd period (9am). Room: RW James 5.40 (Seminar Room).

Tutorials: One tutorial per week, Wednesday, 14h00 - 17:00

Practical: One to two ~2hr observing sessions with the teaching radio telescope and report write up.

Course Textbook: Introduction to Modern Astrophysics (Carroll and Ostlie). Supplemented by Galaxy Formation and Evolution (Mo, van den Bosch and White), Astrophysics - Decoding the Cosmos (Judith Irwin) and Fundamental Astronomy (edited by Karttunen et al). All should be available via the UCT library website.

Assessment: Class record 50% (this includes two class tests, assignment sheets, observing practical, hot topics group assignment, attendance at lectures and tutorials); One 2-hour final examination 50% with a sub-minimum requirement of 40%.

DP requirement: Class record of at least 35%. Calculated from all assessments completed within 4 weeks of deadline and lecture/tutorial attendance up until the date by which DP must be achieved, plus attendance at practical observing session.

Expected self-study hours: 1 hr/lecture, plus assessment preparation.

Learning Objectives:
You will gain a thorough understanding of...
Baryonic matter in galaxies:

  • Components of the ISM, stars & stellar remnants
  • Their distribution
  • Their emission mechanisms

Multi-wavelength observations:

  • of the Milky Way, external galaxies and AGN
  • Understanding of SEDs and spectra
  • Comparison with simulations
  • Physical interpretation (including dark matter)

Galaxy evolution:

  • Interpretation of observations and simulations to high z
  • Interpretation of changing scaling relations
  • Influence of environment and mergers
  • Influence of feedback (stellar and AGN)