LEARNING OUTCOMES
The student will learn to understand galaxy formation as process. The student will learn to solve practical problems in observational cosmology. The student will
master Newtonian perturbation theory required to explain the origin of galaxies. The student will understand the role of dark matter in galaxy formation. The student
will learn how the initial perturbation spectrum developed to the observed distribution of galaxies. The student will be able to describe the non-linear evolution of
density perturbations using simple analytic models. The student will learn the dominant cooling processes relevant for galaxy formation and understand the importance
of star formation and supernova feedback for galaxy evolution. The student will learn the properties and formation scenarios of disk galaxies, elliptical galaxies and
active galaxies. The student will learn to the importance of galaxy interactions and encounters as a force shaping the evolution of galaxies.
CONTENT
Basic elements of galaxy formation. The classification of galaxies. Statistical properties of the galaxy population. Galaxies at high redshifts. Robertson-Walker metric and the Friedmann equations.
The evolution of small perturbations. The Jeans' instability in a static and expanding Medium. Cosmological horizons and perturbations on superhorizon scales. Adiabatic and isothermal perturbations. Hot and cold dark matter in galaxy formation models. The two-point correlation function for galaxies. The initial power spectrum and transfer functions. The non-linear collapse of density perturbations. Top-hat collapse and the Zeldovich approximation. The Press-Schechter mass function and dark matter density profiles. The cooling and heating of gas in dark matter haloes. The cooling function and galaxy formation. Molecular clouds and self-regulated star formation. Supernova feedback: The ejection and heating of gas. Formation of disk galaxies and the origin of disk scaling relations. Galaxy interactions and encounters. Tidal stripping and dynamical friction. Orbital decay and galaxy merging. Structure and formation of elliptical galaxies. The physics of Active galaxies (AGNs). The formation and evolution of AGNs.
