On the MSc in Astronomy, no previous knowledge of astronomy will be assumed, but a good working knowledge of both mathematics and physics will be assumed. Some topics of particular importance are listed below. Prospective students are advised to revise them, or acquaint themselves with them, before attending the module.

Are you ready for your MSc studies? You are strongly encouraged to take this self-evaluation test covering many of the important topics below. This will identify any areas that might need revision or further study.

The topics to revise depend on the research topic you choose to study but I would recommend becoming familiar with:

• Vector methods (grad, div, curl, Laplacian, divergence, Stokes' and Green's theorems)

• Solutions of simple ordinary and partial differential equations

• Orthogonal curvilinear coordinates (spherical polars, cylindrical polars)

• Fourier transforms and integrals in 3D

• Dirac delta function

• Contour integration (Cauchy's Theorem)

• Atomic physics: atomic energy levels, spectral lines

• Nuclear physics: nuclear binding energy, energy release from nuclear reactions

• Particle physics: Natural units, scattering cross-sections

• Quantum mechanics: Heisenberg uncertainty principle, wavefunctions, hydrogen atom, harmonic oscillator, ladder operators, Dirac bra-ket notation

• Thermodynamics and statistical physics: the laws of thermodynamics and the basic idea of thermodynamic equilibrium

• Mechanics: Newton's laws, motion of rigid bodies, Lagrangian formulation

• Electricity and magnetism: Maxwell's equations, electromagnetic wave propagation,motion of a charged particle in an electromagnetic field

• Potential theory: potentials due to distribution of mass (gravitation) and charge (electrostatic)

• Fluid dynamics: equations of continuity and motion of a fluid in the absence of viscosity

• Special relativity: basic ideas including variation of mass with velocity and the Lorentz transformation, space-time interval, 4-vectors

• Optics: concepts important in design of astronomical instruments (diffraction, interference, polarisation)

For the MSc in Astronomy, although no previous knowledge of astronomy will be assumed, any of the following books are suggested to supply some general introductory reading:

• R.A. Freedman and W.J. Kaufmann, Universe, Freeman
• H. Karttunen et al., Fundamental Astronomy, Springer
• M. Harwit, Astrophysical Concepts, Springer
• A. Choudhury, Astrophysics for Physicists, CUP
• H. Bradt, (2014), Astrophysics Processes, Cambridge University Press. (An excellent introduction to the course topics)
• T. Padmanabhan, (2000) Theoretical Astrophysics: Volume 1, Astrophysical Processes. Cambridge University Press. (In depth coverage of all topics, with detailed derivations).