MODULE TITLE

Solar and Extra-Solar Planets and Their Atmospheres

 

CREDIT VALUE

15

MODULE CODE

PHYM012

MODULE CONVENER

Dr M.K.M. Browning

 

 

DURATION

TERM

1

2

3

Number Students Taking Module (anticipated)

47

WEEKS

T1:01-11

 

DESCRIPTION – summary of the module content (100 words)

This module will show how theory and observations underpin our rapidly developing knowledge of planetary objects both inside and outside solar system, an area of physics that has been developing rapidly since the first observation of an extra-solar planet in 1995 and a major research theme at Exeter.

MODULE AIMS – intentions of the module

Students will learn how to apply their knowledge of core physics in order to understand and interpret a wide range of phenomena associated with planetary objects both inside and outside the solar system.

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. describe and explain a range of methods used to discover exoplanets;
  2. derive physical structures from observation using simple physical models;
  3. describe and explain theories of the origin and evolution of planetary systems;
  4. find solutions to the 2-body problem and apply them to star-planet systems;
  5. describe physical conditions necessary for the emergence of life, and current ideas about how life came into being;

Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge:

  1. solve problems involving fluid mechanics and heat transfer;

Personal and Key Transferable / Employment Skills and Knowledge:

  1. retrieve and evaluate information from research journals and the WWW;
  2. communication skills via discussions in classes;
  3. met deadlines for completion of work to be discussed in class and develop appropriate time-management strategies.

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

  1. Formation and Evolution of Planets
    1. Constituents of planetary systems: rocks, gases, liquids
    2. Surface processes: cratering, volcanism, weathering
    3. Theories of planetary formation
  2. The Solar System
    1. Earth and Moon, inner planets, outer planets
    2. Asteroids, comets, dwarf planets
  3. Exoplanets
    1. Observational techniques: direct observation; radial velocity and astrometry; transits
    2. Physical and Statistical Properties
  4. Orbital Dynamics
    1. Orbits in two-body systems
    2. Multi-body interactions, resonances, and chaos
  5. Planetary Atmospheres at Rest
    1. Hydrostatics
    2. Basic radiative transfer
    3. Thermodynamics of atmospheres
    4. Atmospheric constituents
  6. Planetary Atmospheres in Motion
    1. Principles of fluid dynamics
    2. Effects of rotation
    3. Instabilities, waves, and turbulence
  7. Life on Alien Worlds
    1. Definition of life
    2. Conditions required for emergence of life
    3. Effects of life on atmospheres and their observable properties

 

LEARNING AND TEACHING

 

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

Scheduled Learning & Teaching activities  

22 hours

Guided independent study  

128 hours

Placement/study abroad

0 hours

 

DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS

 Category 

 Hours of study time 

 Description 

Scheduled Learning & Teaching activities

20 hours

20×1-hour lectures

Scheduled Learning & Teaching activities

2 hours

2×1-hour problems/revision classes

Guided independent study

30 hours

5×6-hour self-study packages

Guided independent study

16 hours

4×4-hour problem sets

Guided independent study

82 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

Guided self-study

5×6-hour packages

1-9

Discussion in class

4 × Problems sets

4 hours per set

1-9

Solutions discussed in problems classes.

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)

Coursework

0%

Written exams

100%

Practical exams

0%

 

DETAILS OF SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT

Form of Assessment

 

% of credit

Size of the assessment e.g. duration/length

 ILOs assessed 

Feedback method

Final Examination

100%

2 hours 30 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

Vector Mechanics (PHY1021), Introduction to Astrophysics (PHY1022), Thermal Physics (PHY2023) and Electromagnetism II (PHY3051)

CO-REQUISITE MODULES

none

NQF LEVEL (FHEQ)

7

AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING

NO

ORIGIN DATE

01-Oct-11

LAST REVISION DATE

06-Aug-20

KEY WORDS SEARCH

Physics; Life; Planets; Observations; Atmospheres; Emergence; Exoplanets; Thermodynamics; Fluid dynamics.

Module Descriptor Template Revised October 2011