PHY3043 : Interstellar Medium & High Energy Physics
- Offered for Year: 2021/22
- Module Leader(s): Dr Andrew Fletcher
- Owning School: Mathematics, Statistics and Physics
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
| Semester 2 Credit Value: | 10 |
| ECTS Credits: | 5.0 |
Aims
The gas and dust which occupies the space between stars in a galaxy is known as the interstellar medium (ISM). The composition and properties of the ISM will be discussed in this module, along with its central role in the stellar cycle and galactic evolution. Students will learn how astronomical observations are used to derive the physical properties of the ISM and which physical processes govern the state of the interstellar gas and dust. Theoretical models for some of the diverse objects in the ISM, such as HII regions and supernova remnants will be derived and critically examined.
Outline Of Syllabus
Observations of the ISM and their interpretation. Heating and cooling of the gas. Properties of interstellar dust. Cloud collapse and star formation. Ionization and HII regions. Gas dynamics and shocks: stellar winds and supernova remnants. Cosmic rays: acceleration and synchrotron radiation.
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 22 | 1:00 | 22:00 | Formal lectures - present in person |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 2 | 15:00 | 30:00 | Completion of in course assignments |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 11:00 | 11:00 | Examination revision |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 2:00 | 2:00 | Exam |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 35 | 1:00 | 35:00 | Preparation time for lectures, background reading, coursework review |
| Total | 100:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
Lectures are used for the delivery of theory and explanation of methods, illustrated with examples, and for giving general feedback on marked work.
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Exams
| Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written Examination | 120 | 2 | A | 80 | N/A |
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prob solv exercises | 2 | M | 10 | Problem-solving exercises |
| Prob solv exercises | 2 | M | 10 | Problem-solving exercises |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
A substantial formal unseen examination is appropriate for the assessment of the material in this module. The coursework assignments allow the students to develop their problem solving techniques, to practise the methods learnt in the module, to assess their progress and to receive feedback; these assessments have a secondary formative purpose as well as their primary summative purpose.
In the event of on-campus examinations not being possible, an on-line alternative assessment will be used for written examination 1.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- PHY3043's Timetable