Module overview
The module shows how simple physical principles can be used to learn about the Universe. The focus is upon how one can measure physical quantities such as size, distance, temperature, age and mass for the variety of objects in the Universe. By its end students should be able to appreciate topics of current interest in astronomy and cosmology.
Students should be aware that this module requires A-level physics (with a C grade or above) and A-level maths (grade C or above).
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- Understand how the masses and velocities of various astronomical objects can be measured
- Know about the expansion of the Universe and how observations can lead to the determination of its age, mass and future evolution
- Know the essentials of astronomical observation (including Rayleigh criterion)
- Know the essentials of astronomical measurements of brightness (flux) and distance
- Understand solar irradiation of planets
- Know about how energy is produced within the Sun, and the Sun’s different internal regions
- Know AGN/galaxy phenomenology
- Know and understand the differences between the planets and bodies in the solar system and how these connect to planet formation theory
- Know the essentials of spectroscopy and blackbody emission (including Wein’s law)
- Understand the methods and biases of exoplanet detection
- Know about the evolution of stars over time from formation to supernova and the compact objects left behind
- Know about the large scale structure of the universe and how dark matter can be detected
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Be able to apply equations to determine the distance to a variety of astronomical objects.
- Be able to work in logarithmic units (magnitude scales)
- Be able to apply the equations of motion to determine masses (Kepler’s third law).
Syllabus
Solar system:
- the properties of the planets and moons
- solar system physics including formation
- comets and asteroids
Exoplanets:
- classification
- detection methods
- state-of-the-art
Stars:
- The Hertzsprung-Russell (H-R) diagram; H-R diagrams of star clusters; classification of stars from their position in the H-R diagram
- The dependence of stellar properties and timescales on mass
- The determination of the ages of clusters
- Physical conditions within stars
- Nuclear fusion
- Stellar evolution
- Core-collapse supernovae
- White dwarfs, neutron stars and black-holes
Galaxies:
- Classification of galaxies by their appearance
- Galaxy interactions
- The Milky Way
- Active galaxies
- Radio jets
Cosmology:
- The expansion of the Universe
- The Cosmic Microwave Background
- The Big Bang model
- Measurement of the age and mass and the future evolution of the Universe
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
Teaching will be primarily by delivered lectures, and learning is enhanced by problem sheets.
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Preparation for scheduled sessions | 15 |
| Completion of assessment task | 56 |
| Lecture | 28 |
| Wider reading or practice | 36 |
| Follow-up work | 15 |
| Total study time | 150 |
Resources & Reading list
Textbooks
Chaisson & McMillan. Astronomy Today - Global Edition. Pearson.
Assessment
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Problem Sheets | 20% |
| Multiple choice Test | 40% |
| Multiple choice Test | 40% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Multiple choice Test | 100% |
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.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Multiple choice Test | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External