MODULE TITLE

Introduction to Astrophysics

 

CREDIT VALUE

15

MODULE CODE

PHY1022

MODULE CONVENER

Dr E. Hébrard

 

 

DURATION

TERM

1

2

3

Number Students Taking Module (anticipated)

150

WEEKS

T1:01-05,07-12

 

DESCRIPTION – summary of the module content (100 words)

This module will introduce students to the theories of quantum mechanics and special relativity and show how they are used to explain to a wide variety of astrophysical phenomena.

MODULE AIMS – intentions of the module

Students will develop a broad knowledge and understanding of the key ideas and language used by modern astronomers to describe and explain the observed Universe.

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs) (see assessment section below for how ILOs will be assessed)

 On successful completion of this module you should be able to:

Module Specific Skills and Knowledge:

  1. demonstrate a basic knowledge of (a) quantum mechanics and (b) special relativity, and apply this to the solution of problems, and the interpretation of observations;
  2. describe the origin of atomic spectra;
  3. describe the Universe and explain and interpret the evidence base for the description;
  4. use astronomical terms and units of measurements appropriately;

Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge:

  1. use appropriate sources of information, visualise difficult concepts;

Personal and Key Transferable / Employment Skills and Knowledge:

  1. undertake guided self-study successfully;
  2. develop appropriate time-management strategies and meet deadlines for completion of work.

SYLLABUS PLAN – summary of the structure and academic content of the module

  1. Introduction
    Brief historical survey.
  2. Quantum Mechanics
    1. Black body radiation
    2. Photoelectric effect
    3. Wave-particle duality
    4. Zero-point motion; vacuum fluctuations
    5. Heisenberg's Uncertainty Principle
  3. Quantum Structure and Spectra of Simple Atoms
    1. Bohr model
    2. Pauli Exclusion Principle
    3. Quantum numbers and Hund's rules
  4. Nuclear Matter and Particle Physics
    1. Spin, Bosons and Fermions
    2. α, β and γ; neutrons and protons
    3. Quarks gluons and the standard model
    4. Feynman Diagrams
  5. The Force of Gravity, Gravitational Potential Energy
    1. The motion of satellites
    2. The motion of the planets
    3. The gravitational sling-shot
    4. Spherical mass distributions
    5. Apparent weight and the Earth's rotation
  6. Stars and Planets
    1. The structure of stars
    2. Neutron stars & white dwarfs
    3. Black holes
    4. Formation of stars and planets
    5. Extra-solar planets
  7. Galaxies
    1. Large-scale structure
    2. Interstellar medium
    3. Redshift
  8. The Universe
    1. Birth
    2. Expansion
    3. Dark matter
    4. Dark energy

 

LEARNING AND TEACHING

 

LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS (given in hours of study time)

Scheduled Learning & Teaching activities  

34 hours

Guided independent study  

116 hours

Placement/study abroad

0 hours

 

DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS

 Category 

 Hours of study time 

 Description 

Scheduled Learning & Teaching activities

22 hours

22×1-hour lectures

Guided independent study

30 hours

5×6-hour self-study packages

Guided independent study

14 hours

7×2-hour problems sets

Scheduled Learning & Teaching activities

9 hours

Problems class support

Scheduled Learning & Teaching activities

3 hours

Tutorial support

Guided independent study

72 hours

Reading, private study and revision

 

ASSESSMENT

 

 FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT - for feedback and development purposes; does not count towards module grade

Form of Assessment

Size of the assessment e.g. duration/length

ILOs assessed

Feedback method

Exercises set by tutor

3×1-hour sets (typical)

1-7

Discussion in tutorials

Guided self-study

5×6-hour packages

1-7

Discussion in tutorials

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)

Coursework

10%

Written exams

90%

Practical exams

0%

 

DETAILS OF SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT

Form of Assessment

 

% of credit

Size of the assessment e.g. duration/length

 ILOs assessed 

Feedback method

7 × Problems Sets

10%

2 hours per set

1-7

Marked in problems class, then discussed in tutorials

Mid-term Test 1

15%

30 minutes

1-7

Marked, then discussed in tutorials

Mid-term Test 2

15%

30 minutes

1-7

Marked, then discussed in tutorials

Final Examination

60%

120 minutes

1-7

Mark via MyExeter, collective feedback via ELE and solutions.

 DETAILS OF RE-ASSESSMENT (where required by referral or deferral)

Original form of assessment

 Form of re-assessment 

ILOs re-assessed

Time scale for re-assessment

Whole module

Written examination (100%)

1-7

August/September assessment period

RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES  

See Physics Assessment Conventions.

 

RESOURCES

 

 INDICATIVE LEARNING RESOURCES -  The following list is offered as an indication of the type & level of information that you are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Convener.

Core text:

Supplementary texts:

ELE:

CREDIT VALUE

15

ECTS VALUE

7.5

PRE-REQUISITE MODULES

none

CO-REQUISITE MODULES

none

NQF LEVEL (FHEQ)

4

AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING

NO

ORIGIN DATE

01-Oct-10

LAST REVISION DATE

N/A

KEY WORDS SEARCH

Physics; Energy; Matter; Motion; Particle; Planets; Quantum mechanics; Stars; Structure; Universe.

Module Descriptor Template Revised October 2011