Explore UCD

UCD Home >

PHYC40360

Academic Year 2024/2025

Theoretical Astrophysics (PHYC40360)

Subject:
Physics
College:
Science
School:
Physics
Level:
4 (Masters)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Professor Peter Duffy
Trimester:
Spring
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

Theoretical astrophysics is concerned with the application of the fundamental principles and equations of physics to solve astrophysical problems and to explain astronomical observations. This module covers the theory of radiative processes, astrophysical gas dynamics and an introduction to astrophysical plasmas. Radiative processes includes the equation of radiative transfer and the fundamental theory of radiation fields. The module will then specifically examine bremsstrahlung, synchrotron, Compton, inverse-Compton and line emission mechanisms. Gas dynamics includes basic principles, hydrostatics, waves, shock fronts, accretion, outflows, instabilities and an introduction to plasma physics. These topics will be applied to an extensive range of astronomical problems and observations; including the hot big bang model, aspects of stellar structure and evolution, compact objects, the interstellar medium and high energy astrophysics.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of this module a student will (1) understand the principles of astrophysical radiative processes and gas dynamics, (2) understand how fundamental areas of physics combine in different astrophysical settings, (3) solve problems in radiative processes and gas dydnamics and (4) explain select astronomical observations using the tools of theoretical astrophysics.

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

30
Tutorial

6
Specified Learning Activities

20
Autonomous Student Learning

60
Total

116

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Lectures/Reflective learning/Enquiry and problem based learning

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Exam (In-person): In-person exam, after the end of teaching and takes place in an exam hall End of trimester
Duration:
2 hr(s)
 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No
70
 No
Exam (Open Book): In-class, midterm, open-book exam Week 7 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No
20
 No
Assignment(Including Essay): Problem sheet to be submitted through Brightspace with 2-weeks given to complete Week 5 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No
5
 No
Assignment(Including Essay): Problem sheet to be submitted through Brightspace with 2-weeks given to complete Week 8 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No
5
 No

Carry forward of passed components
No
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Autumn Yes - 2 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Not yet recorded.

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 Mon 15:00 - 16:50
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 Thurs 11:00 - 11:50
Print this page
Fill in the following details:
Enter the body of your query here.

From time to time UCD would like to send you further information that we feel, based on your enquiry, would be of interest to you.