PHYS4161: ADVANCED ASTROPHYSICS

• Foundations of Physics 2B (PHYS2591) and Stars and Galaxies (PHYS2621) and Foundations of Physics 3A (PHYS3621).

• None.

• None.

• This module is designed primarily for students studying Department of Physics or Natural Sciences degree programmes.
• It builds on the modules Stars and Galaxies (PHYS2621) and Foundations of Physics 3A (PHYS3621) and provides a working knowledge of advanced optical techniques used in modern astronomy and of the radiative processes that generate the emission that is studied in a wide range of astronomical observations at an advanced level appropriate to Level 4 physics students.

• The syllabus contains:
• Astronomical Techniques and Advanced Imaging: Introduction to astronomical techniques, review of optical theory, propagation of light through the atmosphere, adaptive Optics, interferometry, sectroscopy, non-optical techniques.
• Radiative Processes in Astrophysics: Review of radiative transfer, accelerated charges, Compton processes, synchrotron and Bremsstrahlung, photoionisation/recombination, line formation, abundances, dust, plasma effect, RM and group velocity.

Subject-specific Knowledge:

• Having studied this module students will be aware of advanced optical techniques used in modern astronomy, in particular of high angular resolution imaging techniques and their astrophysical applications.
• They will understand the radiative processes that generate the emission that is studied in a wide range of astronomical observations and will know the observational context of the main theoretical aspects.

Subject-specific Skills:

• In addition to the acqusition of subject knowledge, students will be able to apply knowledge of specialist topics in physics to the solution of advanced problems.
• They will know how to produce a well-structured solution, with clearly-explained reasoning and appropriate presentation.

Key Skills:

• Teaching will be by lectures and workshops.
• The lectures provide the means to give a concise, focused presentation of the subject matter of the module.
• The lecture material will be explicitly linked to the contents of recommended textbooks for the module, thus making clear where students can begin private study.
• When appropriate, lectures will also be supported by the distribution of written material, or by information and relevant links online.
• Regular problem exercises and workshops will give students the chance to develop their theoretical understanding and problem solving skills.
• Students will be able to obtain further help in their studies by approaching their lecturers, either after lectures or at mutually convenient times.
• Student performance will be summatively assessed through an open-book examination and formatively assessed through problem exercises.
• The open-book examination will provide the means for students to demonstrate the acqusition of subject knowledge and the development of their problem- solving skills.
• The problem exercises provide opportunities for feedback, for students to gauge their progress and for staff to monitor progress throughout the duration of the module.

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