Title:

The Cosmic Star Formation and Metallicity History of Galaxies



Lisa Kewley
IfA



Abstract:

Observing the star formation rate and metallicity since the earliest
times in the universe is crucial to understanding galaxy formation and
evolution.  Current cosmic star formation history studies are plagued
by significant discrepancies between star formation rate estimates at
different wavelengths.  I apply the new generation of stellar
population synthesis and photoionization models and show that
metallicity is key to resolving the star formation rate discrepancies.
Although the cosmic star formation history has been studied
extensively, our understanding of the metallicity history of
star-forming galaxies is still largely theoretical. I present the
first results of our large observational investigation into the
metallicity history of star-forming galaxies between 0<z<3.  I compare
our observed metallicity history with predictions from cosmological
hydrodynamic simulations, and discuss the future directions for our
star formation and metallicity history research.  The goal of this
research program is to gain a simultaneous observational understanding
of the metallicity and star formation history of galaxies between
0<z<3 to confront chemical evolution models.