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PHSCS 428

Galaxies and Cosmology

Physics and Astronomy College of Physical and Mathematical 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

Grade Rule

Grade Rule 8: A, B, C, D, E, I (Standard grade rule)

Min

3

Fixed

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.