PHY1022	Introduction to Astrophysics	2013-14
	Dr T.J. Harries
Delivery Weeks:	T1:01-05,07-12
Level:	4 (NQF)
Credits:	15 NICATS / 7.5 ECTS
Enrolment:	138 students (approx)

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. 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.

Module Aims

This module pre-dates the current template; refer to the description above and the following ILO sections.

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

Description	Study time	KIS type
22×1-hour lectures	22 hours	SLT
5×6-hour self-study packages	30 hours	GIS
7×2-hour problems sets	14 hours	GIS
Problems class support	9 hours	SLT
Tutorial support	3 hours	SLT
Reading, private study and revision	72 hours	GIS

Assessment

Weight	Form	Size	When	ILOS assessed	Feedback
0%	Exercises set by tutor	3×1-hour sets (typical)	Scheduled by tutor	1-7	Discussion in tutorials
0%	Guided self-study	5×6-hour packages	Fortnightly	1-7	Discussion in tutorials
10%	7 × Problems Sets	2 hours per set	Weekly	1-7	Marked in problems class, then discussed in tutorials
15%	Mid-term Test 1	30 minutes	Weeks T1:04	1-7	Marked, then discussed in tutorials
15%	Mid-term Test 2	30 minutes	Weeks T1:09	1-7	Marked, then discussed in tutorials
60%	Final Examination	120 minutes	January	1-7	Mark via MyExeter, collective feedback via ELE and solutions.

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., Freedman R.A. and Ford A.L. (2013), University Physics with Modern Physics Technology Update (13^th edition), Addison-Wesley, ISBN 978-1-292-02063-1 (UL: 530 YOU)

Supplementary texts:

• 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)

ELE:

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

Further Information

Prior Knowledge Requirements

Pre-requisite Modules	none
Co-requisite Modules	none

Re-assessment

Re-assessment is not available except when 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

Notes: See Physics Assessment Conventions.

KIS Data Summary

Learning activities and teaching methods SLT - scheduled learning & teaching activities 34 hrs GIS - guided independent study 116 hrs PLS - placement/study abroad 0 hrs Total 150 hrs

Summative assessment Coursework 10% Written exams 90% Practical exams 0% Total 100%

Miscellaneous

IoP Accreditation Checklist	CM-02 Newtonian gravitation, 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.
Availability	unrestricted
Distance learning	NO
Keywords	Physics; Energy; Matter; Motion; Particle; Planets; Quantum mechanics; Stars; Structure; Universe.
Created	01-Oct-10
Revised	N/A