THE UNIVERSITY of EDINBURGH

DEGREE REGULATIONS & PROGRAMMES OF STUDY 2015/2016

University Homepage
DRPS Homepage
DRPS Search
DRPS Contact
DRPS : Course Catalogue : School of Physics and Astronomy : Undergraduate (School of Physics and Astronomy)

Undergraduate Course: High Energy Astrophysics (PHYS11013)

Course Outline
SchoolSchool of Physics and Astronomy CollegeCollege of Science and Engineering
Credit level (Normal year taken)SCQF Level 11 (Year 5 Undergraduate) AvailabilityAvailable to all students
SCQF Credits10 ECTS Credits5
SummaryThe term `High Energy Astrophysics' can be interpreted in many different ways. In the most narrow sense, it refers to observations involving high energy photons, primarily X-rays and gamma-rays. In a broader and more astrophysical view, it refers to the study of objects such as supernovae, neutron stars, black holes, binary X-ray sources, gamma-ray bursts, active galactic nuclei, radio jets, and clusters of galaxies, which involve extreme conditions, like high energies, temperatures, or densities. These objects have high energy particles, even if the photons that they emit have much lower energies. This course examines the many physical processes which are important in the structure and emission of light from extreme astrophysical sources. Starting from Maxwell's equations, the classical theory of radiation from an accelerated charge is developed, and generalised to the relativistic case. Topic studied then include: synchrotron radiation from relativistic electrons gyrating in a magnetic field; the acceleration of particles to relativistic energies; Compton and inverse Compton scattering; accretion of material onto compact objects; Radio galaxies and quasars, and their jets; bremsstrahlung emission from hot gas; cooling flows and the role of black holes in galaxy formation.
Course description Not entered
Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
Pre-requisites It is RECOMMENDED that students have passed Astrophysics (PHYS10102)
Co-requisites
Prohibited Combinations Other requirements At least 80 credit points accrued in courses of SCQF Level 9 or 10 drawn from Schedule Q.
Information for Visiting Students
Pre-requisitesNone
Course Delivery Information
Not being delivered
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the course, students should be able to:

1) From Maxwell's equations, derive and solve wave equations for the electrostatic and magnetic vector potentials.

2) Derive and apply Larmor's formula, and discuss the effects of enhanced energy loss and beaming of radiation for charges moving relativistically.

3) Demonstrate understanding of four-vectors, the summation convention, and invariants, and apply these to problems in astrophysical radiation mechanisms.

4) Derive the properties of Bremsstrahlung radiation, and use these to demonstrate understanding of astrophysical phenomena.

5) Describe the physical process of diffusive shock acceleration and compute the properties of the accelerated particle distribution.

6) Explain the origin of synchrotron radiation, derive its properties, and show how these can be used to derive physical parameters of astrophysical objects.

7) Identify the emission mechanism at work in a variety of astrophysical objects, and draw conclusions as to their properties.
Reading List
None
Additional Information
Graduate Attributes and Skills Not entered
KeywordsHEA
Contacts
Course organiserDr Philip Best
Tel:
Email:
Course secretaryMiss Paula Wilkie
Tel: (0131) 668 8403
Email:
Navigation
Help & Information
Home
Introduction
Glossary
Search DPTs and Courses
Regulations
Regulations
Degree Programmes
Introduction
Browse DPTs
Courses
Introduction
Humanities and Social Science
Science and Engineering
Medicine and Veterinary Medicine
Other Information
Combined Course Timetable
Prospectuses
Important Information
 
© Copyright 2015 The University of Edinburgh - 27 July 2015 11:53 am