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Module

PHY2029 : Introduction to Observational Astronomy

  • Offered for Year: 2023/24
  • Module Leader(s): Dr Joachim Harnois-Deraps
  • Co-Module Leader: Dr Christopher Harrison
  • Owning School: Mathematics, Statistics and Physics
  • Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters

Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.

Semester 2 Credit Value: 10
ECTS Credits: 5.0
European Credit Transfer System

Aims

To introduce the students to the basic techniques and skills of modern observational astronomy, tools and statistical techniques for analysing astronomical data and an understanding of the science that can be obtained from it.

The course will be based around two assignments. These will be written assignments, which will be a report on primarily computational based problems. The problems will make use of astronomical data (both real and simulated). During the lectures the students will be provided the tools and knowledge necessary to engage with the essential data analysis and to understand and explain the scientific implications of the results.

Outline Of Syllabus

TThe module is made up from two mini-project (assignment) areas.
The first half of the lectures and first assignment will cover:
1.       Basic knowledge of mapping/tracking astronomical objects on the sky and how to plan to observe them with telescopes. Using measurements derived from photometric data and spectroscopic data of stars and galaxies to establish their properties (colours, ages, masses, central black holes etc.).
The second half of the lectures and the second assignment will cover:
2.       Using accurate statistical tools on measurements from simulated and real observed data to investigate the properties of galaxy populations and study their connections to dark matter haloes.

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities
Category Activity Number Length Student Hours Comment
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesLecture21:002:00Revision Lectures
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesLecture201:0020:00Formal Lectures
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion371:0037:00Completion of in course assignments/ examination revision
Guided Independent StudyIndependent study411:0041:00Preparation time for lectures, background reading, coursework review
Total100:00
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 scientific theory and explanation of methods, illustrated with examples, and for giving general guidance/feedback on the assignment problems. The assignments will put these skills and knowledge into practise in a practical way.

Assessment Methods

The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners

Other Assessment
Description Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Written exercise2M50Data analysis problem solving and interpretation
Written exercise2M50Data analysis problem solving and interpretation
Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The two mini-projects allow the students to demonstrate their mastery of the techniques for analysing data from physical sciences and understanding the science that comes from it. The computer-based activities ensure that students have the expertise working with the tools, and the assignments focus on the data analysis in the context of scientific processes and conceptual interpretation.

Reading Lists

Timetable