AS5003 Contemporary Astrophysics

2024 to 2025 Semester 1

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 11

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.

Availability restrictions

Available only to MPhys Astrophysics or MSc Astrophysics students.

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 will provide an annual survey of the latest, most interesting, developments in astronomy and astrophysics at the research level. Emphasis will be placed upon the application of knowledge and expertise gained by students in their other modules to these current research topics.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisites

FOR MPHYS: BEFORE TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST PASS AS4010, AS4012, PH3061 AND PH3081. FOR MSC: STUDENTS MUST HAVE SUBSTANTIAL ASTRONOMY KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS.

Assessment pattern

2-hour Written Examination = 100%

Re-assessment

Oral Re-assessment, capped at grade 7

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

3 lectures or tutorials

Scheduled learning hours

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

Guided independent study hours

120

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

Additional information from school

AS5003 - Contemporary Astrophysics

Overview

Astrophysics is a constantly changing field in which new observations and theories are continually revising our knowledge and outlook. This course provides a view of research level astrophysics and the opportunity to apply the accumulated knowledge of the astrophysics degree to new problems.

Aims & Objectives

To introduce the students to research level astrophysics including several independent topics of current research. To use the knowledge base, applied to novel problems. To familiarise the students with the process of modelling physics in astrophysical contexts.

Learning Outcomes

The student will be able to use their accumulated knowledge and apply it to topics of current astrophysical research. Specifically, the student will be able to comprehend the primary concepts in research level astrophysics topics; formulate an approach to novel and unsolved problems; understand the different techniques and approaches used in various topics; make critical judgement of the merit of research papers in astrophysics.

Synopsis

This is a continually evolving module that introduces the student to two or three main topics of astrophysical research. Topics covered are selected by the teaching staff, and may include dynamics, gravitational lensing, general relativity, cosmological simulations, planet formation and young stellar objects, exoplanets, stellar activity, stellar and planetary atmospheres, interacting binaries, astrophysical discs, active galactic nuclei.

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