Observational constraints on the influence of active galactic nuclei on the evolution of galaxies

At the centre of every massive galaxy there resides a super-massive black hole that grew during periods of active galactic nuclei (AGN) activity. Current theoretical models of galaxy evolution invoke AGN-driven galaxy-scale feedback processes (e.g., the expulsion of gas through outflows) in order to reproduce many of the fundamental properties of galaxies and the intergalactic medium. This thesis uses observations to test some of the predictions of these feedback processes. I present integral field unit observations of AGN host galaxies to trace their ionised gas kinematics. The targets are eight high-redshift (z=1.4-3.4) ultra-luminous infrared galaxies, that are representative of rapidly evolving distant galaxies, and sixteen z70% of cases). I also use far-infrared Herschel data of X-ray detected z=1-3 AGN to test the prediction that luminous AGN shut down star formation in their host galaxies. Using stacking techniques I show that, on average, X-ray detected AGN over a wide range of luminosities (i.e., L(2-8keV)~10^42-10^45) erg/s) have star formation rates that are consistent with non-active galaxies. This may imply that luminous AGN do not impact upon the star formation in their host galaxies. Overall, this thesis demonstrates that energetic galaxy-wide outflows are prevalent in AGN host galaxies; however, it also demonstrates that we still lack direct observational evidence that luminous AGN are suppressing star formation in their host galaxies