VVZ API is not affiliated with ETH Zurich. Data might be outdated or incorrect. Please view the official ETHZ Vorlesungsverzeichnis for binding information.
Galaxy Formation
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:41:53
Abstract
In this course, the students will discover how galaxies formed and developed in the context of the large scale structure of the universe. Following actual research practices, they will use galaxy observations in order to understand the physical properties of galactic constituents and they will combine their results with cosmological models to address unsolved questions in galaxy formation.
Objective
Content goals/objectives include: - The students will learn how to use astronomical observations at different wavelengths to infer physical properties (mass, angular momentum, composition) of galaxies and their constituents (stars, interstellar medium, dark matter). - The students will learn about the diversity of galaxies in the universe, in terms of, e.g., morphology, kinematics, stellar populations, properties of the interstellar medium. In this context, the students will learn how to identify possible trends and regularities, which may be then used as possible clues to their physical origin. - The students will consolidate their knowledge and understanding of the most important astrophysical processes (cosmological expansion, gravity, radiative processes, stellar evolution) and learn how to apply them to the complex astrophysical problem of galaxy formation. Practice goals/objectives include: - The students will learn how to combine the observational data and theoretical models to formulate meaningful questions and hypotheses on possible galaxy formation paths, as well as strategies to test them. - Through this course, the students will learn/consolidate the fundamental skills in scientific research practice including: i) asking and refining scientific questions, ii) reducing complex problems in smaller units, iii) finding relevant variables in physical problems, iv) making relevant assumptions v) formulate testable hypotheses vi) express physical ideas in a mathematical language and vii) effectively sharing and communicating the results. In order to achieve these goals, the course is designed through inquiry-based activities, lead by the students themselves and facilitated by the instructors, in which the students will be able to choose their own investigation path, develop their own material and, finally, share their findings with their peers.
Resources
Lecture Notes
Class material will include: i) power point and black-board presentations, ii) material developed in the class during the activities by the students, iii) research papers and reviews, iv) extracts from books.Some of the material will be available online but it is expected that a large fraction of the material/notes will be produced during the classroom activities. Class attendance and active participation are fundamental factors for both learning and assessment during this course and for the assessment.
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- BSC , DR , MSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- session examination
- Mode
- oral 30 minutes
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture with exercise |
Galaxy Formation
Does not take place this semester.
|
No time listed | 3 h weekly |
Offered In
-
-
-
-
Doctoral Department of Physics (More Information at: )
-
Doctoral and Post-Doctoral Courses (Please note that this is an INCOMPLETE list of courses.)
-