PHY3033 : Advanced Astrophysics - Undergraduate Study

Offered for Year: 2020/21

Module Leader(s): Dr Anne Archibald

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

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	Synchronous On-Line Material
Structured Guided Learning	Lecture materials	18	1:00	18:00	Non Synchronous Activities
Guided Independent Study	Assessment preparation and completion	15	1:00	15:00	Preparation of assignments
Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities	Workshops	1	4:30	4:30	Present in person
Structured Guided Learning	Structured non-synchronous discussion	9	1:00	9:00	Non Synchronous Discussion of Lecture Material
Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities	Drop-in/surgery	2	1:00	2:00	Office Hour or Discussion Board Activity
Guided Independent Study	Independent study	1	47:00	47:00	Lecture preparation, background reading, coursework review
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. Workshops 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

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

Other Assessment

Description	Semester	When Set	Percentage	Comment
Written exercise	1	M	10	On line written exercises
Written exercise	1	M	10	On line written exercises
Written exercise	1	M	80	Alternative Assessment. In place of written examination

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

A substantial formal examination is appropriate for the assessment of the material in this module. The course assessments will 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

PHY3033's Reading List

Timetable

Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
PHY3033's Timetable

Module