PHY2029 : Introduction to Observational Astronomy
- Offered for Year: 2020/21
- Module Leader(s): Dr Daniel Naylor
- Owning School: Mathematics, Statistics and Physics
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Semester 2 Credit Value: | 10 |
ECTS Credits: | 5.0 |
Aims
To introduce the students to the programming language Python 3 along with the packages NumPy, SciPy and matplotlib, such that students will be able to perform data analysis and solve some challenging mathematical/physical problems computationally.
Outline Of Syllabus
Students will gain practical skills in using Python that can be used to solve complex mathematical problems found in many areas of Physics, as well as developing scripting skills to simplify data analysis.
Teaching Methods
Please note that module leaders are reviewing the module teaching and assessment methods for Semester 2 modules, in light of the Covid-19 restrictions. There may also be a few further changes to Semester 1 modules. Final information will be available by the end of August 2020 in for Semester 1 modules and the end of October 2020 for Semester 2 modules.
Teaching Activities
Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 1 | 4:30 | 4:30 | Present in Person (1 x 30 minutes lecture plus 4 x 1hr lectures) |
Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 1 | 4:30 | 4:30 | Synchronous On Line Material |
Structured Guided Learning | Lecture materials | 18 | 1:00 | 18:00 | Non Synchronous Materials |
Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 15 | 1:00 | 15:00 | N/A |
Structured Guided Learning | Structured non-synchronous discussion | 9 | 1:00 | 9:00 | N/A |
Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Drop-in/surgery | 2 | 1:00 | 2:00 | Office hours/discussion board activity |
Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 47 | 1:00 | 47:00 | N/A |
Total | 100:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
Non-synchronous online materials are used for the delivery of theory and explanation of methods, illustrated with examples, and for giving general feedback on assessed work. Present-in-person and synchronous online sessions are used to help develop the students’ abilities at applying the theory to solving problems and to identify and resolve specific queries raised by students, and to allow students to receive individual feedback on marked work. Students who cannot attend a present-in-person session will be provided with an alternative activity allowing them to access the learning outcomes of that session. In addition, office hours/discussion board activity 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.
Alternatives will be offered to students unable to be present-in-person due to the prevailing C-19 circumstances.
Student’s should consult their individual timetable for up-to-date delivery information.
Assessment Methods
Please note that module leaders are reviewing the module teaching and assessment methods for Semester 2 modules, in light of the Covid-19 restrictions. There may also be a few further changes to Semester 1 modules. Final information will be available by the end of August 2020 in for Semester 1 modules and the end of October 2020 for Semester 2 modules.
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Other Assessment
Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
---|---|---|---|---|
Written exercise | 2 | M | 10 | Simple Python 3 exercises, plotting and curve fitting |
Written exercise | 2 | M | 45 | Problem solving using Python 3 |
Written exercise | 2 | M | 45 | Problem solving using Python 3 |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The first assignment is designed to test the understanding of the students of the basics of Python 3 and ability to put together a simple script to plot and analyse data. The final two assignments are designed to test the students’ understanding of the presented numerical techniques and their limitations in order to solve complex mathematical problems.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- PHY2029's Timetable