PHY8041 : Spectra and Radiative Transfer (Inactive)
- Inactive for Year: 2024/25
- Module Leader(s): Dr Angela Dyson
- Owning School: Mathematics, Statistics and Physics
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 15 |
| ECTS Credits: | 8.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Aims
The analysis of observed spectra is one of the most fundamental tools of astronomical research. The aim of this course is to develop the theory of radiation and its interaction with matter in order to understand the physical processes involved in the formation of the spectrum. It also covers the effects that radiation has on the structure astrophysical objects, such as ionization and stellar winds. The module combines the mathematical framework with examples from observational and numerical work.
Outline Of Syllabus
- radiation field: intensity, radiative flux and pressure, Planck function
- coupling with matter: opacity, emissivity, equation of radiative transfer
- radiative transfer: simple solutions, spectral lines, limb darkening
- basics of stellar atmospheres and their interaction with the radiation field
- microscopic theory: line transitions, line broadening, scattering, ionization
- non-local thermodynamic equilibrium (NLTE)
- basics of radiation hydrodynamics (example: stellar winds)
Literature:
- Radiative Processes in Astrophysics by George B. Rybicki
- Theory of Stellar Atmospheres: An Introduction to Astrophysical Non-equilibrium Quantitative Spectroscopic Analysis by Ivan Hubeny, Dimitri Mihalas
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 2:00 | 2:00 | Unseen exam |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 24 | 0:30 | 12:00 | Revision for unseen exam |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 5 | 4:30 | 22:30 | Preparation of assignments |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 2 | 6:00 | 12:00 | Preparation of report for practical classes |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 12 | 2:00 | 24:00 | Formal lectures |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Practical | 2 | 2:00 | 4:00 | Computer lab exercise in numerical radiative transfer and fitting observed spectra |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 12 | 1:00 | 12:00 | Problem classes |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Drop-in/surgery | 24 | 1:00 | 24:00 | Office hours |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 34:30 | 34:30 | Self-study: studying, practising and gaining understanding of the course material |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 3:00 | 3:00 | Assignment review - reflect on assignment feedback |
| Total | 150:00 |
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. Problem Classes are used to help develop the students’ abilities at applying the theory to solving problems. The practicals let the students use the acquired knowledge on real-world examples from research, both computational and observational. Office hours provide an opportunity for more direct contact between individual students and the lecturer and for student specific feedback on assignments, if required.
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 | 1 | A | 70 | N/A |
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Practical/lab report | 1 | M | 20 | Two short reports on the practical exercises (1500 words per report) |
| Prob solv exercises | 1 | M | 10 | 5 Written numerical assignments - 2% each |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
A substantial formal unseen examination is appropriate for the assessment of the material in this module, as this is the best way to test understanding of the Physics content. Written assignments (5 pieces of work of equal weight) 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.
Two short reports on the outcome of the practical exercises in the computer lab make sure the students work towards a presentable result and practice their skills in scientific writing.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- PHY8041's Timetable