Galactic Astrophysics (889F3)
Note to prospective students: this content is drawn from our database of current courses and modules. The detail does vary from year to year as our courses are constantly under review and continuously improving, but this information should give you a real flavour of what it is like to study at Sussex.
Galactic Astrophysics
Module 889F3
Module details for 2025/26.
15 credits
FHEQ Level 7 (Masters)
Module Outline
This module introduces the theoretical background required for a quantitative understanding of the structure and components of galaxies, as well as feedback processes driving the recycling of material between the interstellar medium (ISM) and the surrounding intergalactic medium.
The equations of stellar kinematics will be used to describe orbital solutions leading to common stellar components like disks and bulges. The Jeans Theorems will be used to develop the equations of stellar dynamics and to build self-consistent galaxy models.
The equations of fluid dynamics will be used to investigate hydrostatic solutions and various types of instability, and these will be related to different components and physical processes occurring in the ISM.
Finally, we will review how stars and/or supermassive black holes inject mass and energy into the ISM and how this feedback plays a key role in the constant exchange of material inside galaxies with their surroundings.
The theoretical concepts discussed in this module will be used to link the taught content to modern astronomical observations of galaxies and their building blocks at both low and high redshift.
Full Module Description
This module introduces the theoretical background required for a quantitative understanding of the structure and components of galaxies, as well as feedback processes driving the recycling of material between the interstellar medium (ISM) and the surrounding intergalactic medium.
The equations of stellar kinematics will be used to describe orbital solutions leading to common stellar components like disks and bulges. The Jeans Theorems will be used to develop the equations of stellar dynamics and to build self-consistent galaxy models.
The equations of fluid dynamics will be used to investigate hydrostatic solutions and various types of instability, and these will be related to different components and physical processes occurring in the ISM.
Finally, we will review how stars and/or supermassive black holes inject mass and energy into the ISM and how this feedback plays a key role in the constant exchange of material inside galaxies with their surroundings.
The theoretical concepts discussed in this module will be used to link the taught content to modern astronomical observations of galaxies and their building blocks at both low and high redshif.
Module learning outcomes
To gain a comprehensive understanding of how the structure and components of galaxies are shaped internal physical processes and interactions/exchange of material with the intergalactic medium (IGM).
To be able to solve for the structure of stellar systems using equations of stellar dynamics.
To be able to apply fluid equations to hydrostatic, self-gravitating systems and to different kinds of fluid instabilities, and to relate these to astrophysical structures and processes.
To acquire a comprehensive qualitative understanding of the structure of the interstellar medium (ISM), the recycling of mass between different ISM components and the intergalactic medium, and to be able to undertake quantitative estimates of the magnitude of different feedback processes.
| Type | Timing | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | 30.00% | |
| Coursework components. Weighted as shown below. | ||
| Problem Set | T1 Week 8 | 33.00% |
| Problem Set | T1 Week 5 | 33.00% |
| Problem Set | T1 Week 11 | 34.00% |
| Take Away paper | Intersemester Week Week 1 Tue 09:30 | 70.00% |
Timing
Submission deadlines may vary for different types of assignment/groups of students.
Weighting
Coursework components (if listed) total 100% of the overall coursework weighting value.
| Term | Method | Duration | Week pattern |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autumn Semester | Workshop | 1 hour | 11111111111 |
| Autumn Semester | Lecture | 2 hours | 11111111111 |
How to read the week pattern
The numbers indicate the weeks of the term and how many events take place each week.
Prof Ilian Iliev
Convenor, Assess convenor
/profiles/219022
Prof Matthias Keller
Convenor
/profiles/178720
Please note that the University will use all reasonable endeavours to deliver courses and modules in accordance with the descriptions set out here. However, the University keeps its courses and modules under review with the aim of enhancing quality. Some changes may therefore be made to the form or content of courses or modules shown as part of the normal process of curriculum management.
The University reserves the right to make changes to the contents or methods of delivery of, or to discontinue, merge or combine modules, if such action is reasonably considered necessary by the University. If there are not sufficient student numbers to make a module viable, the University reserves the right to cancel such a module. If the University withdraws or discontinues a module, it will use its reasonable endeavours to provide a suitable alternative module.