The Physics of Galaxies, 10 ECTS (hp), Spring 2020
 

Literature:

Peter Schneider, 2015, “Extragalactic Astronomy and Cosmology”,  Springer, ISBN 978-3642540820 (hardback), 978-3662500606 (paperback) or 978-3642540837 (eBook)
Please note that students of Uppsala University have free access to the eBook version of this title through the Uppsala University Library

Contents:

Extragalactic astronomy, with emphasis on the properties, evolution and origin of galaxies

Prerequisites:

Knowledge corresponding to a Bachelor's degree in physics, or similar. In addition, basic knowledge about spectra, stellar physics, galaxies and cosmology corresponding to the course Astrophysics I is required.

Examination:

Seminars, literature report, hand-in exercises, laboratory exercise

Teacher:

Erik Zackrisson, erik.zackrisson(at)physics.uu.se

Time:

Note:

March-June 2020

Due to the covid-19 outbreak, this course will be taught remotely using the Zoom software, not on campus

Date

Time

Lecture/
Exercise session/
Seminar

Topics

To study

To turn in/prepare

March 24

10:15-12:00

Course introduction

Zoom, Course format, Course literature, Schedule,

Examination

 Intro slides

Pre-knowledge quiz (code 333938) – Deadline March 24, 09:00 (anonymous entry OK)

March 26

10:15-11:15

Lecture session 1

Historical background
The extragalactic distance scale

Galaxy classification

1—1.4,

3—3.1.3,
3.9—3.9.6,
Slides L1

Quiz (code 199195) – Deadline March 28, 10:15,
80% score required for bonus points

March 31

13:15-14:15

Lecture session 2

The Milky Way
The Local Group

2.1—2.4.2,

6.1—6.1.3,
Slides L2

 Quiz (code 708317) – Deadline April 2, 13:15, 80% score required for bonus points

April 1

15:15-16:15

Lecture session 3

Dark matter in galaxies

2.4.3, 3.3.4, 4.4.6,
7.6—7.6.3, 7.8,
8.2.2—8.2.3,

Slides L3

 Quiz (code 003881) – Deadline April 3, 13:15,

100% score required for bonus points

April 20

10:15-11:15

Lecture session 4

Disk galaxies

Elliptical galaxies

3.2—3.4.5,

Slides L4

 Quiz (code 893735) – Deadline April 22, 10:15
100% score required for bonus points

April 21

10:15-11:15

Lecture session 5

Star formation
Population synthesis
Galaxy spectra

The interstellar medium
The cosmic star formation rate history

3.5-3.5.6,
3.7,
3.10—3.10.2,

9.6—9.6.2,
Slides L5

Quiz (code 307303) – Deadline April 23, 10:15
100% score required for bonus points

April 23

10:15-12:00

Exercise session I

Group exercise

Study solution set I carefully

Make sure to have pen, paper, pocket calculator or calculator app handy

May 4

13:15-14:15

Lecture session 6

Black holes

Active galactic nuclei

Introduction to the database exercise

3.8-3.8.3

5—5.7,
Slides L6

Quiz (code 060580) – Deadline May 6, 13:15
100% score required for bonus points

May 7

10:15-11:15

Lecture session 7

Galaxy groups
Galaxy clusters

Gravitational lensing

6—6.8,

3.11—3.11.4,
7.7—7.7.4,
8.4, 9.2.3,

Slides L7

Quiz (code 415534) – Deadline May 9, 10:15
100% score required for bonus points

May 8

13:15—14:15

Lecture session 8

The high-redshift Universe

Cosmic reionization

The first stars and galaxies

8.5—8.5.3,
9—9.5,
10-10.7.2,
11—11.2,
Slides L8

 Quiz (code 494264) – Deadline May 10, 13:15

100% score required for bonus points

May 12

15:15-17

Exercise session II

Group exercise

Study solution set II carefully

Make sure to have pen, paper, pocket calculator or calculator app handy

May 13

10:15-12:00

Seminar I – Group A

See instructions for seminar I

See instructions for seminar I

May 14

13:15-15:00

Seminar I – Group B

See instructions for seminar I

See instructions for seminar I

May 15

13:15-15:00

Seminar I – Group C

See instructions for seminar I

See instructions for seminar I

May 18

Deadline

Literature exercise: written report

May 19

13:15-15:00

Seminar II

See instructions for seminar II

See instructions for seminar II

May 20

13:15-15:00

Seminar III – Group A

See instructions for seminar III

See instructions for seminar III

May 25

13:15-15:00

Seminar III – Group B

See instructions for seminar III

See instructions for seminar III

May 26

13:15-15:00

Seminar III – Group C

See instructions for seminar III

See instructions for seminar III

May 28

10:15-12:00

Literature exercise –  Oral presentations, Group A

Presentation

May 28

15:15-17:00

Literature exercise –  Oral presentations, Group B

Presentation

May 29

13:15-15:00

Literature exercise –  Oral presentations, Group C

Presentation

June 3

Deadline

Hand-in exercises

June 5

Deadline

Database exercise: written report