Astrophysics

The Astrophysics group is currently on the Hampstead road for circa 21 months while the KLB is being refurbished.

Graduate Courses for Astrophysicists.

There are two computing courses which students are able to attend. The first being an introductory Python course and the second being an introduction to C++. Furthermore, the group runs courses on Statistics, with applications to Bayesian Methods, and Galactic Astrophysics. These courses are mandatory.

Travel/conference and computing budget.

Details vary for different funding bodies, talk to your supervisor. Stationery equipment can be found in the office of the administrative staff.

Seminars and Journal Clubs

Weekly seminar, every Monday 1530.

Small sub groups have formed within the Astro group and these have their own Journal clubs that discuss recent publications in the field. The mail journal clubs are:

• • Cosmocake: Cosmologists assemble 1200 Wednesday in the downstairs kitchen, with tea, cake and biscuits.

  • SFACE: Acronym for Star Formation And Chemical Evolution group - every Wednesday at 1400.

  • Extragalactic journal club: a new group where researchers in Galaxy Evolution and Formation meet, biscuits served during the meeting.

  • The Planetary group has sporadic meetings on Fridays.

Every Monday (before the seminar) and Friday there is a tea and biscuits session for the whole group which everyone is invited to so to further facilitate discussion between members.

Important People

• • Professor Mike Barlow: the head of the group

  • Professor Serena Viti: head of PhD admissions

  • Professor Ian Howarth: head of Postgraduate Studies in Astrophysics; speak to him if you have any departmental/academic issues/queries.

  • Kay Nakum: head of administrative duties, best person to ask regarding departmental housekeeping such as expenses claiming etc.

Duties of the first year

The group asks that all first years take part in a few “chores” necessary to facilitate the day to day running of the department:

• • Buying milk and sugar for tea every week. There is a rota and costs reimbursed.

  • Laying out biscuits on the Monday and Friday biscuit sessions. Again there is a rota.

  • Organising the Astro group christmas party and summer barbeque: sell tickets, buy food and drink and organise some sort of activity. The venues are usually the Haldane room for the Christmas party and the Garden room for the BBQ (both North Cloisters).

Social Stuff and Facebook

The group is very sociable with Friday night drinks and a pub lunch on Friday afternoons. For all social updates the group has a facebook page called “Astro Pig”, which is subject to change. Speak to your office mates for further information.