University of Central Lancashire
Centre for Astrophysics
Preston, Lancs PR1 2HE

PhD Opportunity in Extragalactic Astrophysics
Application Enquiries to: Dr Anne E. Sansom (AESansom at uclan ac uk)

Project Description:

EVOLUTION OF GALAXIES - Star Formation Histories in Nearby Spheroids

PhD students carry out chemical evolution modelling of nearby galaxies - ellipticals and spiral bulges. Spectral lines will be used to unravel the histories of star formation in different galaxy types, using our galactic chemical evolution code.

Interactive web site development is a component of this project. We use a new approach which takes into account many spectral features and how they vary in strength with changes in the chemical mix within a galaxy. Since different types of supernovae enrich a galaxy with varying proportions of light and heavy elements, we can learn how star formation proceeded from the chemical mix. This is important for understanding how galaxies are made.

There are opportunities for further applications and observations using telescopes in La Palma, Hawaii and the USA. The Centre for Astrophysics is an active participant in the SALT (10m class telescope) and VISTA (survey telescope) projects, currently under development. The supervisor is a member of the SALT science working group, and SALT participants also have access to telescope time on the 10m Hobby-Eberly telescope in Texas.

Other areas of research include: anaysis of X-ray emission from early-type galaxies, using data from XMM-Newton and Chandra satellites; studies of the quantities and conditions in different phases of the inter-stellar medium in early-type galaxies. Applicants are invited from students who expect to get at least a 2.1 MPhys or 1st class BSc in a relevant subject. For further information about the PhD project and the work of the extragalactic group at UCLancs please contact Anne Sansom at:

E-mail: AESansom at uclan ac uk
or see my home page on:
http://www.star.uclan.ac.uk/~aes