Introduction to Galaxies and Active Galactic Nuclei 171.314

Lecturer:             Professor Rosemary F. G. Wyse

                            Office: Bloomberg 513

                            Phone: (410) 516-5392

                            Email: wyse@pha.jhu.edu                      

                            Office hours:  By appointment

Note that the final exam is scheduled for 2-5pm, Tuesday, May 13 ROOM 276 BLOOMBERG. Closed-book exam, no calculators, notes or books.

 Course summary

The aim of the course is to provide students with a broad knowledge of the structure and evolution of galaxies, including their stellar populations, gas content and dark matter content. We will study star formation, chemical evolution, morphological classification of galaxies, merging of galaxies and the growth of structure in hierarchical clustering scenarios. The central black hole that is apparently an integral part of massive galaxies will be discussed, including their discovery and mass estimations, the efficiency of energy generation through accretion onto black holes.

The schedule of classes may be downloaded here (.pdf file)(schedule.pdf).   Note NO CLASSES Feb 28, April 15, April 17; replacement classes at 1.30pm, same room, Friday Mar 7, Mar 28, April 25.

Grades:

One half of the grade will be based on the final exam, 30% on the midterm exam and 20% on homework, which will be given approximately weekly. You may discuss the basic physics behind homework problems with each other, but must attempt a full solution by yourself.

Midterm will be open-book, in class, Thursday April 3.

Here is a plot of the distribution of scores(midterm.pdf). If you missed class on April 10, you can collect your blue book next class, April 22 (see note above about no classes April 15 or 17).

Books: In addition to Carroll and Ostlie, good books include `Galactic Astronomy' by Binney and Merrifield; `The Physical Universe' by Shu, and `The Road To Galaxy Formation' by Keel.

 Introduction powerpoint presentation may be downloaded (no movies included here)(gal_class.ppt). 

 First homework (.pdf file)(homework_1.pdf). 

Second homework (.pdf file)(homework_2.pdf). 

Third homework (.pdf file)(homework_3.pdf). Due TUESDAY Feb 26, 12 noon 

Fourth homework (.pdf file)(homework_4.pdf). Due FRIDAY March 7, 1.30pm 

Fifth homework (.pdf file)(homework_5.pdf). Due FRIDAY March 14, 12noon  - note the last question is CO 24.25 (earlier version said 25.25)

Sixth homework: (homework_6.pdf).

Seventh homework (.pdf file)(homework_7.pdf). Due Friday April 11, 12noon 

Eighth homework (.pdf file)(homework_8.pdf). Due Friday April 18, 12noon 

Nineth homework (.pdf file)(homework_9.pdf). Due Friday April 25, 12noon