Physics of Galaxies: Introduction

Dr David Tsiklauri
Senior Lecturer in Astronomy
Astronomy Unit,
School of Physics and Astronomy
QMUL

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 Aim

The aim of the course is to show how locally-

determined physics applies to galaxies and the
large-scale structure of the universe.

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 Objectives

By the end of the course, the successful student
should be able to:

categorise the various types of galaxies and clusters of
galaxies;

describe how to estimate the mass and luminosity of
galaxies;

describe the various phenomena observed in normal and
active galaxies;

explain these phenomena in terms of simple physical
models;

discuss the statistical distributions of galaxies and clusters
and relate this to the origin of large-scale structure.

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 Syllabus 1

The Realm of the Galaxies

The discovery of galaxies; the expanding universe;
the distance scale; clusters of galaxies; large-scale
structure.

Properties of Galaxies

Morphology and classification; photometry;
determinations of mass; mass-to-light ratios and
dark matter; luminosity functions.

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 Syllabus 2

Dynamics of Galaxies

Stellar dynamics; gas dynamics; dynamics of spiral
discs.

Active Galaxies

Activity in galactic nuclei; Seyfert galaxies; radio
galaxies; quasars; the source of energy in AGN.

Large-Scale Structure

Clusters of galaxies; surveys; correlation functions.

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 Recommended Books 1
“Galaxies in the Universe: An Introduction
Linda S Sparke and John S Gallagher
Cambridge University Press (2000)
ISBN 0-521-59740-4 £23.95
[This is a good introduction to the subject in general.]
“Active Galactic Nuclei”
Bradley M Peterson
Cambridge University Press, 1997
ISBN 0-521-47911-8 £28.00
[Good for the AGN part of the course.]

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 Recommended Books 2
“Quasars and Active Galactic Nuclei”
Ajit K Kembhavi and Jayant V Narlikar
Cambridge University Press (1999)
ISBN 0-521-47989-4 £30.00
[Good for the AGN part of the course. More demanding than
Peterson.]
“Modern Cosmological Observations and Problems”
Greg Bothun
Taylor and Francis, 1998
ISBN 0-7484-0645-X £25.99
[Large-scale structure at an accessible level.]

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 The Course Book

Notes will be available (originally written by
Prof P. Clegg, revised by Prof P. Williams,
Prof B. Carr, Dr D. Tsiklauri)

Notes give most of the material you need for
the course (except in-class derivations for
which notes should be taken)

Will be available on the course webpage when
they are issued
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 Homework & Exercises

Homework exercises sheets issued each week

Usually issued and to be handed in as stated on the
exercise sheet.

Similar format to examination, but shorter in length.

Also available on the course webpage as they
are issued

No exercise class or home work hand-in in
Week 1. Exercise classes start from Wk2.

NOTE: ONLY HOMEWORK IS MARKED,
but exercise class is very important for EXAM.
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 “Mid”-Term Test

No teaching in Week 7 (revision week)

Similar format to compulsory Section A of the
examination

Will be held:

1st Physics of Galaxies lecture slot in week 8

Previous tests are on the course webpage with

past examinations
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 Examination

Basic (“easy”) section

> 5 questions, worth 50% (pass)

More Challenging Section

2 questions out of 4, worth 50%

Past papers are on the course
webpage

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Assessment of Course

Examination

80%

Homework Exercises

10%

Mid-term test

10%

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 Lecture Requirements

Lectures and exercise classes are compulsory

de-registration for failing to attend without good reason.

Students are advised that the attendance of lectures and
exercise classes is compulsory and whilst the lecture slides
and chapters will appear on this web page, in-class
derivations (including examinable material) will not be
posted. This is NOT a punitive measure -- students need to
engage with the learning process, as this is NOT a distance
learning course.

Students are expected to take notes during in-class
derivations. In the case of a missed lecture, you should
borrow missed notes from other students in the group.

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 Exercise Requirements

Homework Exercises are essential part of
course

de-registration for failing to hand in a proper
attempt without a good reason

Hand in something!

if you cannot do an exercise, write down why and
hand that in

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 Course webpage
The home page for the course is accessible from
Student Handbook or directly

http://qmplus.qmul.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=3077

To access course webpage you need your QMUL

username and password

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