Description

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

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)

A student who has passed this module 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:
  5. use appropriate sources of information, visualise difficult concepts;
• Personal and Key Transferable / Employment Skills and Knowledge:
  6. undertake guided self-study successfully;
  7. develop appropriate time-management strategies and meet deadlines for completion of work.

Syllabus Plan

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

Assessment

Resources

The following list is offered as an indication of the type & level of information that students are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Instructor(s).

Core text:

• Young H.D. and Freedman R.A. (2015), University Physics with Modern Physics (14^th edition), Pearson, ISBN 978-1-292-10031-9

Supplementary texts:

• Carroll B.W. and Ostlie D.A. (2017), Introduction to Modern Astrophysics, (2^nd edition), Cambridge University Press, ISBN 978-1-108-38098-0
• Harrison E.R. (1981), Cosmology: the Science of the Universe, Cambridge University Press, ISBN 0-521-22981-2
• Hey T. and Walters P.W. (1987), The Quantum Universe, CUP, ISBN 0-521-31845-9

ELE:

• http://newton.ex.ac.uk/redirects/ELE/phy1022

Further Information

Prior Knowledge Requirements

Re-assessment

Re-assessment is not available except when required by referral or deferral.

Notes: See Physics Assessment Conventions.

KIS Data Summary

Miscellaneous