Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

To understand how we measure properties of astrophysical bodies and to understand the application of basic physical laws to those bodies.

Module Summary: Since the beginning of human enquiry we have wondered what our place in the Universe is and if we're alone. In order to answer these questions the branch of Astrophysics involves observing astronomical bodies and applying physical laws in order to understand them. This requires cutting edge observations across the electromagnetic spectrum as well as application of physics ranging from particle physics to general relativity. This module will introduce a basic understanding of how we observe astrophysical bodies and how we apply physical laws to those bodies in order to ultimately understand the Universe.

Outline Of Syllabus

1. Physical Principles
-       Measuring positions and distances
-       Light (blackbody radiation, spectra)
--       Kepler's laws and orbits
2. Stars
-       Stellar structure and evolution
-       End states of stellar evolution
3. Galaxies
-       Galactic classification and morphology
-       Scaling laws
-       Dark matter
4. Cosmology
-       Hubble’s law
-       The cosmological distance ladder

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

-       Interpret and discuss the physical significance of astronomical distances, on-sky positions, temperatures, spectra, and brightness.
-       Recall and explain the physics underlying key aspects of stellar formation and evolution.
-       Recall and explain key physical properties of galaxies.
-       Discuss implications of Hubble’s law and the expanding Universe.

Intended Skill Outcomes

-       Calculate and (where appropriate) convert between key astronomical quantities including on-sky position, distance, temperature, and brightness.
--       Calculate parameters of an orbital system using Kepler’s laws.
-       Calculate quantities related to key aspects of stellar formation and evolution.
-       Compute physical properties of galaxies using scaling relations.
-       Convert between cosmological distances, velocities and redshifts.

Students will develop skills across the cognitive domain (Bloom's taxonomy, 2001 revised edition): remember, understand, apply, analyse, evaluate and create.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

The teaching methods are appropriate to allow students to develop a wide range of skills, from understanding basic concepts and facts to higher-order thinking.

Lectures are used for the delivery of theory and explanation of methods, illustrated with examples, and for giving general feedback on marked work. Lectures will include integrated interactive teaching methods such as think-pair-share questions and worked examples of problems such as would normally occur in a problems class.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

A substantial formal unseen and closed-book examination is appropriate for the assessment of the learning outcomes material in this module. The format of the examination will allow students to reliably demonstrate their own knowledge, understanding and application of learning outcomes. The assurance of academic integrity forms a necessary part of programme accreditation.

Examination problems may require a synthesis of concepts and strategies from different sections, while they may have more than one ways for solution. The examination time allows the students to test different strategies, work out examples and gather evidence for deciding on an effective strategy, while carefully articulating their ideas and explicitly citing the theory they are using.

A coursework assessment is also included for the purpose of supporting learning, providing skills practice, and promoting assessment literacy. In keeping with the University Framework for Assessment Design, this coursework is a lower-stakes summative assessment rather than a formative assessment, in recognition that this is likely to be more beneficial than a formative assessment in encouraging broad student engagement.

General Notes

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