- UCAS course code
- FG3C
- UCAS institution code
- M20
Course unit details:
Galaxy Formation
Unit code | PHYS40992 |
---|---|
Credit rating | 10 |
Unit level | Level 4 |
Teaching period(s) | Semester 2 |
Available as a free choice unit? | No |
Overview
Galaxy Formation
Pre/co-requisites
Unit title | Unit code | Requirement type | Description |
---|---|---|---|
Cosmology | PHYS30392 | Pre-Requisite | Compulsory |
Aims
To provide an introduction to the modern theory of galaxy formation and large-scale structure of the Universe.
Learning outcomes
On completion of the course, students should be able to:
1. Discuss key observable properties of the low and high redshift galaxy population within a cosmological context.
2. Explain the basic ideas of how large-scale structures grow and lead to the formation of dark matter haloes.
3. Discuss the important physical processes that set the conditions for galaxy formation.
4. Describe and explain the properties of galaxy clusters and their application to cosmology.
5. Outline modern research methods used to model galaxy formation and discuss key outstanding problems.
Syllabus
1. Overview
Observations of galaxies and their environments at low and high redshifts; key observational tests for galaxy formation models; galaxies in a cosmological context.
2. Growth of large-scale structures:
Linear growth of structures; Zel’dovich approximation; characteristic halo mass and hierarchical growth; power spectrum.
3. Dark matter haloes:
Spherical top-hat collapse model; Press Schechter formalism and the halo mass function; mergers and accretion; internal structure; halo shapes and spin; substructure.
4. Gas processes:
Hydrostatic equilibrium; Jeans mass; accretion shocks; radiative cooling; angular momentum and disk formation; star formation and feedback processes.
5. Galaxy clusters:
Galaxies in clusters; intracluster medium; dark matter and mass measurements; cluster scaling relations; cosmology with clusters.
6. Frontiers of galaxy formation:
Ν-body simulations; semi-analytic models; hydrodynamic simulations; outstanding problems.
Assessment methods
Method | Weight |
---|---|
Written exam | 100% |
Feedback methods
Feedback will be available on students’ individual written solutions to examples sheets, which will be marked, and model answers will be issued.
Recommended reading
Peacock, J. Cosmological Physics (CUP)
Coles, P. & Lucchin F., Cosmology: The Origin and Evolution of Cosmic Structure (Wiley)
Binney, J. & Tremaine, S. Galactic Dynamics (Princeton) (2nd edition)
Study hours
Scheduled activity hours | |
---|---|
Assessment written exam | 1.5 |
Lectures | 24 |
Independent study hours | |
---|---|
Independent study | 74.5 |
Teaching staff
Staff member | Role |
---|---|
Michael Brown | Unit coordinator |