PHY3033 : Advanced Astrophysics
- Offered for Year: 2019/20
- Module Leader(s): Dr Andrew Fletcher
- Owning School: Mathematics, Statistics and Physics
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 10 |
| ECTS Credits: | 5.0 |
Aims
This module will use a wide range of topics from basic physics to develop a quantitative understanding of various astronomical objects, such as planets, stars and galaxies. The emphasis will be on physical concepts, the physical meaning of the underlying equations and the power of making order-of-magnitude estimates.
Outline Of Syllabus
Basic principles of astronomical observation. Dimensional analysis. Dynamics and orbits. Random processes and thermodynamics. Star formation and the interstellar medium: cloud collapse, Hll regions, shocks, supernovae, cosmic rays.
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 5 | 4:30 | 22:30 | Preparation of assignments |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 10:30 | 10:30 | Revision for unseen exam |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 2:00 | 2:00 | Unseen exam |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 12 | 1:00 | 12:00 | Problems classes |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 12 | 2:00 | 24:00 | Formal lectures |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Drop-in/surgery | 24 | 1:00 | 24:00 | Office hours/self-study: Studying, practising and gaining understanding of the course material |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 5 | 1:00 | 5:00 | 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. Office hours provide an opportunity for more direct contact between individual students and the lecturer and for student specific feedback on assignments, if required.
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 | 90 | N/A |
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prob solv exercises | 1 | M | 10 | Written assignments |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
A substantial formal unseen examination is appropriate for the assessment of the material in this module, as this is the best way to test understanding of the Physics content . Written assignments (approximately 5 pieces of work of approximately equal weight) allow the students to develop their problem solving techniques, to practise the methods learnt in the module, to assess their progress and to receive feedback; these assessments have a secondary formative purpose, as well as their primary summative purpose.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- PHY3033's Timetable