Course Description

Course Name

Galactic and Extragalactic Astrophysics

Session: VCPS3118

Hours & Credits

36 Host University Units

Prerequisites & Language Level

Course entry requirements: AST2002H and AST2003H (or AST2002S), PHY2014F, PHY2015S, MAM2000W (or MAM2004H and MAM2047H).

Taught In English

  • There is no language prerequisite for courses at this language level.

Overview

Course outline:
The aim of this course is to provide a broad introduction to galactic & extragalactic astrophysics and cosmology. Topics will include the Milky Way and normal galaxies, supermassive black holes, active galaxies, clusters of galaxies, and cosmology and the origin of structure in the universe. Current hot topics in the area are also discussed in lectures from time to time and students are encouraged to keep abreast of the latest developments. A further aim is to develop observing data reduction skills. Students will therefore participate in a field trip to the South African Astronomical Observatory in Sutherland, where they will obtain their own spectroscopic data and will be taught how to do the data reduction and analysis.

*Course content subject to change