2005/06 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

PHYS3080 High Energy Astrophysics

10 creditsClass Size: 40

Module manager: Dr S M Bradbury
Email: s.m.bradbury@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2005/06

Pre-requisites

PHYS2080 (Subatomic Physics) or equivalent PHYS3330 (Electromagnetic Radiation and Plasma Physics) is also useful but is not a pre-requisite. Attendance at previous astronomy modules is not assumed.

This module is not approved as an Elective

Objectives

At the end of the module students will understand the uses that astronomers have made of radio, x-ray, gamma rays and particle detection to identify the sources of highly energetic sub-atomic particles pervading space.

Skills outcomes
Ability to apply diverse, basic physics and mathematical reasoning to novel, out-of-context problems.Ability to apply diverse, basic physics and mathematical reasoning to novel, out-of-context problems.

Syllabus

Non-thermal radiation in astrophysics, especially cosmic rays, X-rays, gamma rays. Radio astronomy also throws light on the origin of the cosmic-ray particles and reveals the energetics of supernovae and neutron stars. Constant interplay between models and observation in building up a picture of the relationship between relativistic particles, supernova explosions and neutron stars, and revealing even more extreme collapsed objects and explosions in active galactic nuclei. Methods of detection and the deductions made from observations, of cosmic rays, radio emission (techniques omitted), X-rays and gamma-rays.

Teaching methods

Lectures: 21 x 1 hour;

Tutorials (optional): 6 x 1 hour.

Private study

Reading: 55 hours;
Example problem sheets: 18 hours.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

9 x weekly unmarked problem sheets. Solutions are given. Students are expected to discuss difficulties in optional tutorial hours.

Methods of assessment

1 x 2 hour written examination at the end of the second semester: 100%.

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 19/04/2005

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