Astronomical Statistics and X-Ray Astronomy (U01401)

? Credit Points : 10 ? SCQF Level : 10 ? Acronym : PHY-4-AstStats

Astronomical Statistics: A section on probability and statistics for astronomers introduces the elements of probability theory, the calculus of probabilities and the central limit theorem, going on to consider various uses of statistics, including hypothesis testing, estimation, Bayes' theorem, and the investigation of correlation and regression and the effect of biases in data; the emphasis is on methods that are common in astronomical research, and how to avoid the notorious pitfalls that frequently trap the unwary.

X-Ray Astronomy: X-ray observations probe violent, highly energetic astrophysical processes. Such conditions arise near compact objects (e.g. black holes, quasars) or whenever gas is heated to temperatures of millions of degrees (e.g. in clusters of galaxies). In this course we will investigate the main types of X-ray emitting phenomena, both galactic and extragalactic, emphasising how X-ray observations can be used as a tool to help in our broader understanding of astronomy and cosmology.

Entry Requirements

? Pre-requisites : At least 40 credit points accrued in courses of SCQF Level 9 or 10 drawn from Schedule Q.

Variants

? This course has variants for part year visiting students, as follows

Astronomical Statistics and X-Ray Astronomy (VS1) (Semester 1 (Blocks 1-2))

Subject Areas

Home subject area

Undergraduate (School of Physics), (School of Physics, Schedule Q)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : 4th year

? Delivery Period : Semester 1 (Blocks 1-2)

? Contact Teaching Time : 2 hour(s) per week for 11 weeks

First Class Information

Date	Start	End	Room	Area	Additional Information
19/09/2006	10:00	11:00			ROE

All of the following classes

Type	Day	Start	End	Area
Lecture	Tuesday	10:00	10:50	Other
Lecture	Friday	10:00	10:50	Other

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, it is intended that a student will be able to:

Astronomical Statistics
1)Describe the axioms of probability and be able to apply them to problems
2)Derive the Binomial, Poisson and Gaussian distributions and their application in probability
3)Explain the Central Limit Theorem, and show its general importance in probability and statistics
4)Understand how to fit models and estimate parameters using the Least Squares fit and Maximum Likelihood methods
5)Discuss Bayes Theorem and distinguish Baysian and Frequentists approaches to probability and statistics
6)Understand and be able to apply non-parameteric statistics such as the chi-squares, Kolomogorov-Smirnov, and Spearman tests

X-Ray Astronomy
1)Understand the radiation processes giving rise to X-ray emission, and describe the astrophysical situations in which these take place
2)Demonstrate an understanding of the thermal emission of galaxy clusters, apply hydrostatic models to these, and discuss the interpretation of the results in a cosmological context
3)Explain the different modes of gas accretion onto black holes, and summarise the differences in their observable properties
4)Review the observational evidence for supermassive black holes, and describe the X-ray properties of active galactic nuclei