#### Prerequisites
* Foundations of Physics 2B (PHYS2591) and Stars and Galaxies (PHYS2621) and Foundations of Physics 3A (PHYS3621).
#### Corequisites
* None.
#### Excluded Combination of Modules
* None.
#### Aims
* This module is designed primarily for students studying Department of Physics or Natural Sciences degree programmes.
* It builds on the modules Stars and Galaxies (PHYS2621) and Foundations of Physics 3A (PHYS3621) and provides a working knowledge of advanced optical techniques used in modern astronomy and of the radiative processes that generate the emission that is studied in a wide range of astronomical observations at an advanced level appropriate to Level 4 physics students.
#### Content
* The syllabus contains:
* Astronomical Techniques and Advanced Imaging: Introduction to astronomical techniques, review of optical theory, propagation of light through the atmosphere, adaptive Optics, interferometry, sectroscopy, non-optical techniques.
* Radiative Processes in Astrophysics: Review of radiative transfer, accelerated charges, Compton processes, synchrotron and Bremsstrahlung, photoionisation/recombination, line formation, abundances, dust, plasma effect, RM and group velocity.
#### Learning Outcomes
Subject-specific Knowledge:
* Having studied this module students will be aware of advanced optical techniques used in modern astronomy, in particular of high angular resolution imaging techniques and their astrophysical applications.
* They will understand the radiative processes that generate the emission that is studied in a wide range of astronomical observations and will know the observational context of the main theoretical aspects.
Subject-specific Skills:
* In addition to the acqusition of subject knowledge, students will be able to apply knowledge of specialist topics in physics to the solution of advanced problems.
* They will know how to produce a well-structured solution, with clearly-explained reasoning and appropriate presentation.
Key Skills:
#### Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module
* Teaching will be by lectures and workshops.
* The lectures provide the means to give a concise, focused presentation of the subject matter of the module.
* The lecture material will be explicitly linked to the contents of recommended textbooks for the module, thus making clear where students can begin private study.
* When appropriate, lectures will also be supported by the distribution of written material, or by information and relevant links online.
* Regular problem exercises and workshops will give students the chance to develop their theoretical understanding and problem solving skills.
* Students will be able to obtain further help in their studies by approaching their lecturers, either after lectures or at mutually convenient times.
* Student performance will be summatively assessed through an open-book examination and formatively assessed through problem exercises.
* The open-book examination will provide the means for students to demonstrate the acqusition of subject knowledge and the development of their problem- solving skills.
* The problem exercises provide opportunities for feedback, for students to gauge their progress and for staff to monitor progress throughout the duration of the module.
More information at: https://apps.dur.ac.uk/faculty.handbook/2023/UG/module/PHYS4161
