MSc - Astrophysics

University of Hertfordshire

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. The module develops skills in research enquiry and problem solving, analysis and evaluation, communication skills, and conceptualisation.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Students on this module will study the seven major subsystems which make up a spacecraft; Structure, Propulsion, Thermal, Power, Control, Telecommand, and Repeater. The System aspects will also be examined; Mass, Mission, Quality, EMC, Software. Students will have the opportunity to design an integrated space system based on mission drivers and regulatory requirements. Furthermore, students will examine a space-based astrophysics observatory and explore science drivers and 'big astronomy' goals/concepts.

High-energy astrophysics applies high-energy processes to astrophysical contexts. Such processes are typically associated with extremely compact or massive objects, like black holes, white dwarfs and neutron stars, or galaxy clusters. In this module, you will study these high-energy processes the key types of astrophysical situation in which they operate, and the methods by which their effects are detected from Earth. You will explore radio astronomy with our radio telescopes at Bayfordbury.