PHSCS 428
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Galaxies and Cosmology
Physics and Astronomy
College of Computational, Mathematical, & Physical Sciences
Course Description
The study of the formation, nature, and evolution of galaxies together with the study of the universe as a whole using Big Bang cosmology.
When Taught
Winter
Min
3
Fixed/Max
3
Fixed
3
Fixed
0
Recommended
MATH 314.
Title
Galaxy Properties
Learning Outcome
Students will describe and quantify galaxy morphological types, dynamics, formation history, content, age, chemistry, evolution and clustering. They will place these properties in the context of current theory.
Title
Active Galactic Nuclei
Learning Outcome
Students will describe the observational aspects of all active galactic nuclei (AGN) classes (quasars, blazars, Seyferts I and II, FR- I and FR-II radio galaxies, LINERS). They will apply the standard model to explain these different classes and to explain how AGN evolve with time.
Title
Cosmology
Learning Outcome
Starting with Newtonian dynamics, students will derive the basic energy equation of an expanding universe. They will extend it to curved-space using the Robertson-Walker metric, and derive and apply the Friedmann equations to different possible universes.
Title
Big Bang Theory
Learning Outcome
Students will describe and contrast big bang and steady state cosmologies and explain why big bang is preferred. They will memorize and explain the main eras in big bang evolution including inflation. They will present and explain the significance of the multipole analysis of the cosmic background radiation (CMB).
Title
Technical Writing
Learning Outcome
Students will research and write a 20 page paper on one aspect of cosmology. They will present this paper either in class or at the spring research conference.
