Introduction to Astronomy and Space Science

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• Understand solar irradiation of planets
• Know about the large scale structure of the universe and how dark matter can be detected
• Know about the evolution of stars over time from formation to supernova and the compact objects left behind
• Know the essentials of astronomical measurements of brightness (flux) and distance
• Know about how energy is produced within the Sun, and the Sun’s different internal regions
• Know the essentials of astronomical observation (including Rayleigh criterion)
• Know about the expansion of the Universe and how observations can lead to the determination of its age, mass and future evolution
• Understand the methods and biases of exoplanet detection
• Know and understand the differences between the planets and bodies in the solar system and how these connect to planet formation theory
• Understand how the masses and velocities of various astronomical objects can be measured
• Know AGN/galaxy phenomenology
• Know the essentials of spectroscopy and blackbody emission (including Wein’s law)

Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Be able to apply the equations of motion to determine masses (Kepler’s third law).
• Be able to apply equations to determine the distance to a variety of astronomical objects.
• Be able to work in logarithmic units (magnitude scales)

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

Repeat

An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.