| Module |
Credits |
Compulsory/optional |
|
High Energy Astrophysics
|
15 Credits |
Compulsory |
| High-energy astrophysics is "the astrophysics of high-energy processes and its application in astrophysical contexts" (Longair). Such processes are typically associated with extreme objects, like black holes, neutron stars, or white dwarfs. A high mass can give rise to high energy processes, like for example in very massive galaxy clusters or near supermassive black holes, but also extreme situations, like collapse of very massive stars to produce a gamma ray burst, or the merger of black holes or neutron stars, which have also been observed to produce gravitational waves. This course will develop in students a deep understanding of the high-energy processes that are important in astrophysics, the key types of astrophysical situation in which they operate, and the methods by which their effects are detected from Earth.
The module develops skills in research enquiry and problem solving, analysis and evaluation, communication skills, information searching, conceptualisation. |
|
Relativity and Field Theory
|
15 Credits |
Compulsory |
| Relativistic field theory is a central topic in high energy physics, in the contexts both of accelerator physics and of astrophysics. This theoretical physics module aims to give a grounding in classical relativistic field theory and associated mathematical techniques. Thus, we start with the Lorentz symmetry group and build up 4-vector notation, the notions of vectors, covectors and tensors, and of scalar and vector fields on Minkowski spacetime. In particular we discuss the wave equation for a massive real scalar field in 3+1 dimensions, and the use of Green's functions in its solution. We discuss the relativistic form of Maxwell's equations of motion and introduce the 4-vector gauge potential. We then move on to Lagrangian field theory and the principle of least action. The role of symmetry principles in Lagrangian field theory is emphasised, and Noether's theorem introduced. In particular we give the action for Maxwell theory and discuss its origin in U(1) gauge symmetry. If time permits we shall introduce spinor representation of SO(3,1) and the Dirac equation for spin-half particles.
The module develops skills in research enquiry and problem solving, analysis and evaluation, and conceptualisation and critical thinking |
|
Galaxy Structure and Evolution
|
15 Credits |
Compulsory |
| Galaxy formation and evolution is one of the most topical and active fields of current astronomical research. Although we now have a relatively complete cosmological model taking us from a fraction of a second after the big-bang to the epoch of last scattering, the details of how galaxies subsequently formed and evolved to become those that we see today are not yet fully understood. This module will cover current observational and theoretical developments in this field, using the known properties of local galaxies as a benchmark. In addition, the module will look towards the future with particular focus on what we might learn about the first galaxies formed after last scattering, i.e. during the epoch of re-ionization. |
|
Statistics and Analysis
|
15 Credits |
Compulsory |
| This module develops statistical concepts which are applied in modern physical and astrophysical research. The module will look into the different kinds of distributions and errors. Methods for hypothesis testing and data fitting will be investigated and applied to research data. Monte Carlo and Bootstrapping procedures will be used for error propagation. These statistical methods will be implemented in a procedural language such as Python. The module will cover the syntax and control structures such as loops and logical statements, and building complex programmes by writing and linking separate functions and procedures.
In this module you will develop your skills in problem solving, analysis and evaluation, and computer programming. |
|
Research Techniques in Astrophysics
|
15 Credits |
Compulsory |
| Astrophysicists study the universe and its content using a range of detectors/instruments mounted on large telescopes, receivers and arrays. These allow the measurement of radiation (and sometimes particles) over a very wide range of energies, from X-rays and gamma-rays, through optical and the infrared, out to micro- and radio-waves. At these wavelengths astronomers are able to study a vast diversity of astrophysical phenomena ranging from; black holes and GRBs, star birth and death, extra-solar planets and brown dwarfs, the glow of the big bang, galactic jets and quasars. In this module you will learn about the fundamental physics and technology behind these techniques, and explore the process of making and interpreting astrophysical measurements. You will also undertake an astronomy observing project at the Bayfordbury Observatory and gain important technical skills as an astrophysicist.
The module develops skills in research enquiry and problem solving, analysis and evaluation, interpersonal and communication skills, scientific writing and information searching, conceptualisation and critical thinking. |
|
From Stars to Planets
|
15 Credits |
Compulsory |
| Galactic astrophysics covers many cutting edge topics, from understanding how stars form evolve and end their lives, to exploring the extremes in mass and temperature that characterise the coolest brown dwarfs and extra-solar planets. The occurrence of life in the Universe is also tied to the physics of these objects, with on-going discovery efforts revealing great diversity amongst these worlds. In this module you will carry out three case studies involving analytical/numerical modelling, one each in the fields of stars, brown dwarfs, and extra-solar planets. Each case study is accompanied by lectures covering the state-of-the-art research background and the science basis of the case study.
The module develops skills in research enquiry and problem solving, analysis and evaluation, scientific writing and information searching, and conceptualisation. |
|
Astrophysics Masters Project
|
60 Credits |
Compulsory |
| In undertaking an Astrophysics Masters Project students will carry out a major piece of investigative and practical work at the interface with current research. Astrophysics research areas in the Department include; star formation in the Milky Way, the disc and bulge of the Milky Way, extra-solar planets and brown dwarfs, planetary nebulae and white dwarfs, Active Galactic Nuclei physics and environment, the formation and evolution of galaxies, and the structure of galaxies. A successful project will become a key feature of a student's professional profile and CV, and is often a central talking point in graduate job interviews and/or postgraduate applications.
The module develops skills in research enquiry and problem solving, analysis and evaluation, organisational working, interpersonal and communication skills, scientific writing and information searching, conceptualisation and critical thinking, adaptation to context, synthesis and creativity, personal evaluation and development, and ethical awareness and application. |
|
Aerospace Aerodynamics
|
15 Credits |
Optional |
| This module develops the student's knowledge of aerodynamics and experience of using CFD. Students will develop their knowledge of the use of potential flow theory and its application to the panel method for aerodynamic prediction. Other topics covered will include lifting line and slender body theory together with hypersonic aerodynamics.
The CFD applications part of the module provides an overview of the governing flow equations and their range of application. Students will make extensive use of commercial codes to simulate airflows. Apart from applications to external flows, methods for multi-phase flows and flows with conjugate heat transfer will be reviewed. There is also an introduction to subroutines and user functions in commercial codes. |
|
Space Systems
|
15 Credits |
Optional |
| There are 7 major subsystems which make up a spacecraft. These are:- Structure, Propulsion, Thermal, Power, Control, Telecommand and Repeater.
Besides all these there are the Systems aspects (Mass, Mission, Quality, EMC etc, Software etc - as listed below).
Mechanical
Structure design, overall configuration, appendage deployments
math modelling, stress analysis, structure stiffness (35 Hz to meet launcher needs), sine and acoustic testing, interface loads, mechanisms
Propulsion
Apogee engine, orbit thrusters, piping, valves, tanks, fuel types, fuel metering (zero g).on orbit station keeping
Thermal
Exterior radiative surfaces, internal thermal control, heaters, heatpipes, thermocouples, thermistors
Electrical
Solar panels, solar array drive motors, power conditioning, battery control, power distribution internally, eclipse management, harness, circuit design, derating analysis, software (FPGA, ASIC, etc)
Control
Control laws, software, station keeping, (roll pitch yaw) gyros, momentum-reaction wheels. sensors (sun, earth, star), recovery modes
Telecommand (& Telemetry)
Uplink and downlink signals, distribution inside spacecraft, internal data collection,
Repeater (receiver and transmitter)
Coverage areas & performance, uplink and downlink antennas, receive circuits, power amplifiers, up & down converters, phased arrays, cables, waveguides, switching networks
System aspects
1. Mass control (launch cost $10k per kg), mass distribution
2. Mission (launch strategy, orbit, on station, station changes)
3. All interfaces – all 7 subsystems above plus launch vehicle
4. Design – Spacecraft configuration, layout, reliability, Worst Case Analysis, Parts Stress Analysis, Failure Mode Analysis
5. Radiation analysis – (all electrical circuits) Total dose, displacement damage, electrostatic discharge
4. Repeater – Electro-magnetic compatibility (EMC), PIM (passive inter modulation), Multipaction, Corona discharge,
5. Quality – reliability, standards, audits, inspection, design reviews, non-conformances, safety & hazards analysis
6. Assembly & Test – test equip, test methods, procedures
test reviews,
7. Configuration management – document control
8. Project Management – whole project, subcontractors, planning, costs, finances, key reviews & meetings
9. Customer interfacing at all levels |
|
General Relativity
|
15 Credits |
Optional |
| Einstein's revolutionary theory describes gravity as the curvature of space-time, and emerged from his "happiest thought" - that gravity vanishes in a free-falling elevator (and the equivalence of gravity and acceleration). Follow Einstein's thought processes and learn the relativistic theory of gravity, which predicts some of the most mysterious (but observed!) astrophysical phenomena – black holes, the expanding Universe, and gravitational waves.
In this module you will develop your skills in problem solving, analysis and evaluation, scientific writing and information searching, and conceptualisation. |
|
Data Science Core Skills Bootcamp
|
0 Credits |
Optional |
| In this intensive, non-assessed 'bootcamp' module students will become familiar with the core mathematical, statistical and programming concepts that underpin MSc Data Science. Very little prior knowledge is assumed for this module, which aims to provide a solid grounding in the key basic skills. The curriculum includes: basic algebra and mathematical concepts (e.g. functions), vectors and matrices, linear algebra, differentiation, statistical distributions, probability, and basic programming using the Python language. |
