PHY1022 Introduction to Astrophysics

2010-2011

Code: PHY1022
Level: 1
Title: Introduction to Astrophysics
Instructors: Prof. T.J. Harries and Prof. J.R. Sambles
CATS Credit Value: 15
ECTS Credit Value: 7.5
Pre-requisites: N/A
Co-requisites: N/A
Duration: M1-M11
Availability: unrestricted
Background Assumed: -

Total Student Study Time

150 hours, to include: 22×1-hour lectures; 44 hours directed self-study; 9 hours of problems class support; 3 hours of tutorial support; 72 hours private study.

Aims

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. 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

Students will be able to:

1. Module Specific Skills:
   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.
2. Discipline Specific Skills:
   1. use appropriate sources of information, visualise difficult concepts.
3. Personal Transferable Skills:
   1. listen actively and with purpose;
   2. undertake guided self-study successfully;
   3. meet deadlines for completion of work for problems classes and develop appropriate time-management strategies.

Learning / Teaching Methods

Lectures, e-Learning resources (ELE PHY1022), and problems classes.

Assessment and Assignments

Contribution	Assessment/Assignment	Size (duration/length)	When
10%	Problem Sets	7×2hrs	Weekly
15%	Mid-term Test 1	30 minutes	Week M4
15%	Mid-term Test 2	30 minutes	Week M8
60%	Final examination	120 minutes	Week L0
Formative	Guided self-study	5×6-hour packages	Fortnightly

Syllabus Plan and Content

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
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

Core Text

Young H.D. and Freedman R.A. (2007), University Physics (with Modern Physics) (12^th edition), Addison-Wesley, ISBN 0-321-50131-4 (UL: 530 YOU)

Supplementary Text(s)

Harrison E.R. (1981), Cosmology: the Science of the Universe, Cambridge University Press, ISBN 0-521-22981-2 (UL: 523.1 HAR/X)
Hey T. and Walters P.W. (1987), The Quantum Universe, CUP, ISBN 0-521-31845-9 (UL: 530.12HEY)

IOP Accreditation Compliance Checklist

• CM-02: Newtonian gravitation to the level of Kepler's laws.
• QM-01: Black body radiation.
• QM-02: Photoelectric effect.
• QM-03: Wave-particle duality.
• QM-04: Heisenberg's Uncertainty Principle.
• QM-09: Quantum structure and spectra of simple atoms.

Formative Mechanisms

Students monitor their own progress by attempting the problem sets which will be discussed in classes. Students who need additional guidance are encouraged to discuss the matter with the lecturer or their tutor.

Evaluation Mechanisms

The module will be evaluated using information gathered via the student representation mechanisms, the staff peer appraisal scheme, and measures of student attainment based on summative assessment.