Galaxies

Code:

AST2002

Acronym:

AST2002

Level:

200

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
OFICIAL	Astronomy

Instance: 2018/2019 - 2S

Active?	No
Responsible unit:	Department of Physics and Astronomy
Course/CS Responsible:	Bachelor in Chemistry

Cycles of Study/Courses

Acronym	No. of Students	Study Plan	Curricular Years	Credits UCN	Credits ECTS	Contact hours	Total Time
L:B	0	Official Study Plan	3	-	6	56	162
L:CC	0	Plano de estudos a partir de 2014	2	-	6	56	162
			3
L:G	0	study plan from 2017/18	2	-	6	56	162
			3
L:M	0	Official Study Plan	2	-	6	56	162
			3
L:Q	0	study plan from 2016/17	3	-	6	56	162

Teaching language

Portuguese

Objectives

Develop students' interest in studying the characteristics and phenomena associated with galaxies, like the one we inhabit, as well as with other extragalactic structures.

Learning outcomes and competences

It is expected that students acquire a relatively deep knowledge on the universe and its large scale constituents, and on the characteristics and physical processes governing the evolution of galaxies and extragalactic structures, It is further expected that students develop skills of comprehension of scientific studies and critical thinking about the results presented.

Working method

Presencial

Pre-requirements (prior knowledge) and co-requirements (common knowledge)

It is strongly advised that students already have basic knowledge in Astronomy, in particular they should have already attended the curricular unit Fundamentals of Astronomy.

Program

I. Concepts and definitions
II. Historical background of Galactic and Extragalactic Astronomy.
III. The Galaxy: Overview. The disk, central region and halo. The center of the Galaxy. Methods of measuring distances. Dynamics and mass distribution. Formation of spiral arms and bars. Galaxy formation and evolution.
IV. Extragalactic astronomy: The Local Group. Morphological classification of galaxies and associated properties. Internal structure and constituent elements of galaxies. Properties of the interstellar medium and extinction. Light profiles typical of different galaxy types. Dynamics and distribution of mass in galaxies. Luminosity functions. Methods of measuring distances and the expansion of the Universe. The spatial distribution of galaxies. Groups, clusters and superclusters of galaxies. Interactions between galaxies and environment. Active galaxies. Galactic formation and evolution.

Mandatory literature

B.W. Carrol, D.A. Ostlie; An Introduction to Modern Galactic Astrophysics and Cosmology, Addison-Wesley
Carroll Bradley W.; An introduction to modern astrophysics. ISBN: 0-201-54730-9
Sparke Linda S.; Galaxies in the universe. ISBN: 0-521-59740-4

Complementary Bibliography

Karttunen H. (Hannu) 340; Fundamental astronomy. ISBN: 9783540341437
Jones Mark H. 340; An introduction to galaxies and cosmology. ISBN: 0-521-54623-0

Comments from the literature

Class notes (slides) will be made available and, if necessary, internet pages will be indicated for students to consult.

Teaching methods and learning activities

Classroom theory - exposing the syllabus aided by powerpoints and indication of bibliography for each subject - and solving of exercises

keywords

Physical sciences > Astronomy > Astrophysics

Evaluation Type

Evaluation with final exam

Assessment Components

designation	Weight (%)
Exame	100,00
Total:	100,00

Amount of time allocated to each course unit

designation	Time (hours)
Frequência das aulas	70,00
Total:	70,00

Eligibility for exams

Students are expected to attend classes with assiduity.

Calculation formula of final grade

The assessment in the discipline of Galaxies is composed of a final exam.

Classification improvement

Exam, season II (época de recurso).