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. Topics will include the Milky Way and normal galaxies, supermassive black holes, active galaxies, clusters of galaxies, and cosmology and the origin of structure in the universe. Current hot topics in the area are also discussed in lectures from time to time and students are encouraged to keep abreast of the latest developments. A further aim is to develop observing data reduction skills. Students will therefore participate in a field trip to the South African Astronomical Observatory in Sutherland, where they will obtain their own spectroscopic data and will be taught how to do the data reduction and analysis

Course co-ordinator [2023]: Dr Jacinta Delhaize, Room 5.19 in the RW James Building.

Course lecturer [2023]: Dr Jacinta Delhaize

Course tutor: TBD.

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. Room: RW James 5.40.

Course Textbook: Introduction to Modern Astrophysics (Carroll and Ostlie)
Find the book at Amazon (UK)

Tutorials and Practicals: One practical or tutorial per week, Wednesday, 14h00 - 16h30

DP requirement: Satisfactory attendance at lectures and tutorials; class record of at least 35%.

Assessment: Class record 50% (this includes two class tests, tutorials and practicals); one 2-hour final examination 50%; sub-minimum requirement of 40% for final examination.