AS2001 Astronomy and Astrophysics 2

2024 to 2025 Semester 2

Curricular information may be subject to change

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

The Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) system allows credits gained in Scotland to be transferred between institutions. The number of credits associated with a module gives an indication of the amount of learning effort required by the learner. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits are half the value of SCOTCAT credits.

SCQF level

SCQF level 8

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.

Planned timetable

11:00 lectures and lab one afternoon 15:00 - 17:30

This information is given as indicative. Timetable may change at short notice depending on room availability.

Module Staff

TBC

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module description

This module comprises four lecture courses which extend knowledge gained in the first level AS1001 or AS1101 module, and discusses recent developments in the subject: (i) observational techniques - modern telescopes; instruments and detectors for multiwavelength observations; essential coordinate systems; (ii) the structure and evolution of stars - nucleosynthesis, stellar properties as a function of age, a complete understanding of the HR diagram; (iii) exoplanetary science - theoretical and observational studies of planetary systems beyond our own; (iv) galactic astronomy - the distribution and motion of stars, gas, dust, and dark matter in our Milky Way and other galaxies.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisites

BEFORE TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST ( PASS AS1001 OR PASS AS1101 ) AND PASS PH1011 AND PASS PH1012 AND PASS MT1002

Anti-requisites

YOU CANNOT TAKE THIS MODULE IF YOU TAKE AS2101

Assessment pattern

Written Examination = 60%, 2 x Class Tests = 15%, Laboratory work = 25%

Re-assessment

Written Examination = 75%, Existing Laboratory work = 25%

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

4 x 1hr lectures x 11 weeks, 1hr tutorial x 10 weeks, 2.5hr laboratory x 8 weeks

Scheduled learning hours

The number of compulsory student:staff contact hours over the period of the module.

Guided independent study hours

213

The number of hours that students are expected to invest in independent study over the period of the module.

Additional information from school

Aims & Objectives

To introduce students to a broad range of topics across modern astrophysics. To develop problem solving skills through tutorial and laboratory sessions.

Learning Outcomes

Familiarity with a broad range of topics in modern astrophysics;

Strengthening of the skills learned in AS1001/AS1101 and level 1 physics and mathematics modules;

Improved ability to analyse astronomical data, including the use of relevant software;

Ability to formulate and solve quantitative problems by applying physical concepts and mathematical tools up to the level of differential and integral calculus to astrophysical systems.

Synopsis

Exoplanetary science

This course looks at methods for observational detection and characterisation of exoplanets, theories of the formation and migration of planets in circumstellar accretion discs, and the implications for internal structures of gas-giant and terrestrial-like planets.

Observational Techniques

This course provides an overview of the multi-wavelength observational techniques that underpin modern astrophysics, including telescope and instrument design, photometry and spectroscopy, the effects of the Earth’s atmosphere (and approaches to mitigating them), and astronomical coordinate systems and source observability.

Stellar Structure and Evolution

This course looks at the determination and distribution of stellar masses, radii and luminosities; the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram, mass-luminosity law and Vogt-Russell theorem; sources of stellar energy, nucleosynthesis of hydrogen, helium and carbon; star formation and evolution; the ages of star clusters; supernova events and the synthesis of heavy elements; and the final states of stars - white dwarfs, neutron stars (pulsars) and black holes.

Galactic Astronomy

This course will investigate the distribution and motions of stars, gas and dust within our own galaxy in order to determine its dimensions and overall properties. Properties of other galaxies will be discussed. Topics include: galactic coordinate systems; the solar motion and distribution of stellar velocities; differential galactic rotation, the rotation velocity at the Sun and the distance to the Galactic Centre; rotation curves of the Milky Way and other galaxies; galaxy masses and 'dark' matter.

Accreditation Matters

This module may not contain material that is part of the IOP “Core of Physics”, but does contribute to the wider and deeper learning expected in an accredited degree programme. The skills developed in this module, and others, contribute towards the requirements of the IOP “Graduate Skill Base”.

Recommended Books

Please view University online record: https://sta.rl.talis.com/index.html