A575 - Structure and Evolution of Galaxies

Swain Hall West Rm 221

MW 11:55am - 1:10pm

Instructor:
Dr. Liese van Zee
Office: Swain West 410 (855-0274)
Office Hours:
M 2 - 3pm, or by appointment
email: vanzee@astro.indiana.edu

Course Information:

A575 covers the broad topic of galaxy formation and evolution. We will begin with an overview of galaxies and their global properties, including classification, stellar populations, star formation activity, metal abundances, environmental influences, and dark matter. We will then expand our horizons to the structure and evolution of nearby galaxies, including studies of large scale structure and the intergalactic medium. Finally, we will investigate constraints on galaxy formation based on studies of the early universe.

Textbooks:
(Required) Galactic Astronomy by Binney & Merrifield
(Recommended) Galaxy Formation by Longair
See also "Galaxies and the Universe - WWW Course Notes" by Bill Keel at http://www.astr.ua.edu/keel/galaxies/

Grading is based on a mixture of homework (30%), midterm exams (40%), and a final project (30%). There will be no final exam. Class participation will be considered if the final grade is on the borderline.

Homework: There will be 10 regular homework assignments. These are generally due on WEDNESDAY, although there are some exceptions. In addition, each MONDAY, we will begin the class period with a discussion of a journal paper led by 2 class members. You will each lead 2 discussion sessions during the semester; leading a paper discussion will be graded as the equivalent of one homework. The papers and related readings are listed on the class web page.

Research Project: A list of possible projects will be handed out during the second week of the semester. These are semester long projects and represent 30% of your total grade. Final papers will be due on April 27; class presentations will occur on April 27 and 29.

Late Homework Policy: Homework is due at the beginning of class on the date specified. No late homework will be accepted.

Class Attendance and Examination Policy: Students are expected to attend class regularly and to arrive on time. Material will be presented during class that is not covered in any textbook. Two exams will be held during normal class hours (March 4 and April 22). No make-up exams will be offered.

Collaborative work and academic integrity: You are encouraged to work with other students on many of the homework assignments in this class (exceptions to this policy will be noted on the homework itself). However, every student must hand in their own solutions to receive credit, and all help should be acknowledged.






Syllabus (approximate)

Week Dates Subject Assignments
Week 1 Jan 12 - 14 Overview and Introduction
Week 2 Jan 21 Quantitative Classification HW 1 DUE Jan 21
Week 3 Jan 26 - 28 Number Counts and Luminosity Function
Week 4 Feb 2 - 4 The ISM HW 2 DUE Feb 2
Week 5 Feb 9 - 11 Stellar Populations HW 3 DUE Feb 9
Week 6 Feb 16 - 18 Star Formation and Environment HW 4 DUE Feb 18
Week 7 Feb 23 - 25 Metal Enrichment HW 5 DUE Feb 25
Week 8 Mar 2 - 4 Dynamics and Dark Matter EXAM 1 Mar 4
Week 9 Mar 9 - 11 Extragalactic Distance Scale HW 6 DUE Mar 11
Week 10 Mar 23 - 25 Groups and Large Scale Structure HW 7 DUE Mar 23
Week 11 Mar 30 - Apr 1 QSOs HW 8 DUE Apr 1
Week 12 Apr 6 - 8 AGN HW 9 DUE Apr 8
Week 13 Apr 13 - 15 The Early Universe HW 10 Due April 17
Week 14 Apr 20 - 22 Galaxy Formation Exam 2, Apr 22
Week 15 Apr 27 - 29 Class Presentations Final Paper Due Apr 27

There will be no Final Exam