PHY1021 : Introductory Astrophysics
- Offered for Year: 2019/20
- 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.
Description: Since the beginning of human inquiry 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 Distances
-Newtons Law of Gravitation
-Kepler's Laws and Orbits
-Light (Blackbody Radiation, Spectra)
2. Planetary Systems
-Solar System Formation
-Solar System Inventory
-Planetary Atmospheres
-Exoplanets
3. Stars
-The Sun
-Stellar Structure and Evolution
-End States of Stellar Evolution
4. Galaxies and Large Scale Structure
-Galactic Evolution
-Dark Matter
-Cosmology
-The Big Bang
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 1:30 | 1:30 | Unseen exam |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 22 | 1:00 | 22:00 | Formal lectures |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 2 | 6:00 | 12:00 | Preparation for class test |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 2 | 1:00 | 2:00 | Class test |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 2 | 6:00 | 12:00 | Preparation of written assignments |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 2 | 1:00 | 2:00 | Revision lectures |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 4 | 1:00 | 4:00 | Problem classes |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 15:30 | 15:30 | revision for unseen exam |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Drop-in/surgery | 6 | 1:00 | 6:00 | Tutorials in the lecture room |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Drop-in/surgery | 12 | 0:10 | 2:00 | Office hours |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 17:00 | 17:00 | Studying, practising and gaining understanding of course material |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 4 | 1:00 | 4:00 | Assignment review |
| 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. Problem Classes are used to help develop the students’ abilities at applying the theory to solving problems. Drop-in's are used to identify and resolve specific queries raised by students and to allow students to receive individual feedback on marked work. In addition office hours will provide an opportunity for more direct contact between individual students and the lecturer: a typical student might spend a total of one or two hours over the course of the module, either individually or as part of a group.
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Exams
| Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written Examination | 90 | 1 | A | 50 | unseen |
| Written Examination | 50 | 1 | M | 20 | Class test 1 |
| Written Examination | 50 | 1 | M | 20 | Class test 2 |
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prof skill assessmnt | 1 | M | 10 | Peer instruction |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
A formal unseen examination is appropriate for the assessment of most material in this module. Two class tests (both 50 minutes, each worth 20%) provide formative as well as summative assessment. Peer instruction assessment will test students’ communication skills.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- PHY1021's Timetable