PHY1021 : Introductory Astrophysics
- Offered for Year: 2022/23
- Module Leader(s): Dr Danielle Leonard
- Owning School: Mathematics, Statistics and Physics
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 10 |
| ECTS Credits: | 5.0 |
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)
- Telescopes
- 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
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 20 | 1:00 | 20:00 | Lectures |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 2 | 1:00 | 2:00 | Revision Lecture |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 8:00 | 8:00 | Summative problem solving exercises |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 2:00 | 2:00 | Completion of final examination |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 10 | 2:00 | 20:00 | Completion of practice problems |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 12 | 4:00 | 48:00 | Consolidation of learning and revision |
| Total | 100:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
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 Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Exams
| Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written Examination | 120 | 1 | A | 80 | N/A |
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prob solv exercises | 1 | M | 20 | Problem-solving exercises |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
A substantial formal unseen examination is appropriate for the assessment of the material in this module. 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.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- PHY1021's Timetable