Universität Wien
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450101 SE Modelling galaxy formation across cosmic time (2026W)

Continuous assessment of course work

Details

max. 15 participants
Language: English

Lecturers

Classes (iCal) - next class is marked with N

  • Thursday 08.10. 11:30 - 13:00 Seminarraum 2 Astronomie Sternwarte, Türkenschanzstraße 17
  • Thursday 15.10. 11:30 - 13:00 Seminarraum 2 Astronomie Sternwarte, Türkenschanzstraße 17
  • Thursday 22.10. 11:30 - 13:00 Seminarraum 2 Astronomie Sternwarte, Türkenschanzstraße 17
  • Thursday 29.10. 11:30 - 13:00 Seminarraum 2 Astronomie Sternwarte, Türkenschanzstraße 17
  • Thursday 05.11. 11:30 - 13:00 Seminarraum 2 Astronomie Sternwarte, Türkenschanzstraße 17
  • Thursday 19.11. 11:30 - 13:00 Seminarraum 2 Astronomie Sternwarte, Türkenschanzstraße 17
  • Thursday 26.11. 11:30 - 13:00 Seminarraum 2 Astronomie Sternwarte, Türkenschanzstraße 17
  • Thursday 03.12. 11:30 - 13:00 Seminarraum 2 Astronomie Sternwarte, Türkenschanzstraße 17
  • Thursday 10.12. 11:30 - 13:00 Seminarraum 2 Astronomie Sternwarte, Türkenschanzstraße 17
  • Thursday 17.12. 11:30 - 13:00 Seminarraum 2 Astronomie Sternwarte, Türkenschanzstraße 17
  • Thursday 07.01. 11:30 - 13:00 Seminarraum 2 Astronomie Sternwarte, Türkenschanzstraße 17
  • Thursday 14.01. 11:30 - 13:00 Seminarraum 2 Astronomie Sternwarte, Türkenschanzstraße 17
  • Thursday 21.01. 11:30 - 13:00 Seminarraum 2 Astronomie Sternwarte, Türkenschanzstraße 17
  • Thursday 28.01. 11:30 - 13:00 Seminarraum 2 Astronomie Sternwarte, Türkenschanzstraße 17

Information

Aims, contents and method of the course

Aim: In this course, we will discuss how the physics of galaxies and the intergalactic medium is modelled in hydrodynamical simulations and semi-analytic models, from Cosmic Dawn to the present day. We will explore different modelling approaches at different cosmic epochs and across different modelling frameworks, and examine how modelling choices affect the results and their interpretation.
You will not only benefit from this course if you want to specialise in theoretical or computational astrophysics, but also if you are planning to use simulations to interpret observations or test instrumentation pipelines.

Content: The course will cover the modelling of the following physical processes and components:
· Star formation
· Stellar feedback
· Circumgalactic medium
· Multi-phase ISM
· Metal and dust enrichment
· AGN and black hole growth
· Mock observations
· Reionisation

as well as the impact of their modelling choices on galaxy properties, for example masses, sizes, luminosities (incl. dust attenuation) and velocity profiles of both their stellar and gaseous components.

Methods: In this seminar, you will choose a topic, explore the relevant literature and present your findings in a clear and engaging talk. To support your fellow students, you will also prepare a handout summarising the key points and references. Following each presentation, we will discuss the topic that we learned about together.
Active participation is an important part of the course: ask questions, discuss the material, and engage critically with the different modelling approaches.
The instructors will help you identify appropriate literature and other material for your topic and will provide feedback on your slides before your presentation.

Assessment and permitted materials

The final grade is a combination of the grades for the presentation, the hand-out, and active participation.

Minimum requirements and assessment criteria

Final grade:
> 87.5%: 1 (excellent)
75.0% - 87.5%: 2 (good)
62.5% - 75.0%: 3 (average)
50% - 62.5%: 4 (fair)
<50%: 5 (fail)

The final grade is a combination of the grades for the presentation, the hand-out, and active participation with the following weighting:
– Presentation (including content, delivery, Q+A) : 50%
– Hand-out (including content & understanding, organisation & clarity, literature): 20%
– Active participation: 30%

Minimum requirements:
- Attendance: at least 80% in-person participation
- Presentation during the course

Examination topics

n/a

Reading list

The instructors will help you identify appropriate literature and other material for your topic.

Association in the course directory

Last modified: Tu 01.09.2026 14:08