Mapping Galaxy Growth Through Cosmic Time

The stellar mass assembly and structural growth of galaxies is a fascinating interplay between gravity, gas physics, and astrophysical phenomena such as the formation and feedback from stars and growing black holes. Using observations from the Hubble Space Telescope, the European Very Large Telescope, as well as facilities probing longer wavelengths we will investigate when and where within galaxies stars were formed, and how star formation is regulated. By probing different cosmic epochs, we will link young galaxies in the early universe to their majestic descendants in the local universe today.

Details of the Project: A first objective of this project, and key to understanding galaxy evolution in general, is to place galaxies on a scale and weigh them. The goal is to obtain a census not only of the assembled stellar mass, but also of the amount of fuel for star formation: the molecular gas mass. To this end, we initiated an extensive IRAM 30m survey with strong synergies to existing Herschel Space Telescope observations. Using this data set, the student will develop a robust calibration of molecular gas masses, and address how the gas-richness and star formation efficiency depends on galaxy type. Finally, kinematic measurements with integral-field spectrographs will provide constraints on the total mass present, including dark matter.
In the second part of the project the student will exploit the high-resolution capabilities of the world’s most powerful telescopes to go beyond galaxy-integrated measurements of mass and mass components, and dissect them spatially. We will use multi-wavelength Hubble observations to test theoretical scenarios of inside-out growing disks and emerging bulges.

Over the course of the project, you will develop skills and expertise in analyzing imaging and spectroscopic data spanning a wide range of wavelengths, from the optical to the far infrared. This background will prepare you for a career in academia, as well as opportunities in the broader field of data science. You will work as part of the new and vibrant Astrophysics Group in Bath. We hold regular astrophysics group meetings and research seminars in the Department of Physics, and also provide more general postgraduate skills training. In addition, you will collaborate with astronomers at the Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics and Yale University involved in the project.

Applications: Applicants should have a background in the physical sciences and have or expect to gain a First or Upper Second Class UK Honours degree, or the equivalent from an overseas University. Studentship funding has been allocated by the University as part of the strategic decision to grow the Astrophysics Group.