Module Description
PHY2030 Observing the Universe 2013-14
Dr C.M. Brunt
 
Delivery Weeks: T2:01-11
Level: 5 (NQF)
Credits: 15 NICATS / 7.5 ECTS
Enrolment: 29 students (approx)

Description

In this module students will gain a basic knowledge of the universe and its contents, and good understanding of astrophysical measurement. As such it is crucial for the astrophysics project work, and when combined with the detailed understanding of stars, galaxies and cosmology obtained from the subsequent modules, PHY3063, PHY3066 and PHYM006, will provide a well-balanced grounding in astrophysics.

The specific aims of the module are to impart: a basic knowledge of the hierarchy of objects in the universe, including their structural and evolutionary relationship to each other; an understanding the underlying principles of key instrumentation used for observational astrophysics; an understanding of how we can obtain structural information and physical parameters from distant, often unresolved, objects.

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:

Syllabus Plan

  1. Introduction
    1. Brief historical survey
    2. Gauging the cosmos
      astronomical objects; solar system, stars, galaxies; typical dimensions and distances; structure and dimensions of our galaxy; structure of the Universe; age of the Universe and the Earth; coordinate Systems
    3. Distance measurement 1
      Outline of big bang-model; parallax method; moving-cluster method
    4. Distance measurement 2
      Statistical-parallax method; apparent and absolute luminosity; distance modulus; spectroscopic method (Hertzsprung-Russell diagram)
    5. The expanding Universe
      Cepheid variables; distance of galaxies using standard candles; Tully-Fisher relation for clusters of galaxies; Hubble's law and age of the Universe; look-back time
    6. Astronomical measurements; windows in the Earth's atmosphere; telescopes and detectors; astrometry, photometry, spectroscopy; noise
  2. Topics in Stellar and Galactic Evolution
    1. Outline of stellar evolution
      Star Formation; importance of mass for lifetimes, luminosities and end points; white dwarfs, electron degeneracy pressure; supernovae, neutron stars, pulsars, black holes
    2. Measuring stellar masses
      Orbits; the observed mass function, brown dwarfs, extra-solar planets
    3. Measuring stellar radii
      Direct methods; visual binaries; spectroscopic binaries
    4. Brief introduction to Galaxies
      Galaxy types; rotation curves, missing mass and spiral arms; quasars; clusters
  3. Cosmological Topics
    1. Expansion of the Universe
      Cosmological principle; co-moving objects; cosmic scaling factor, co-moving coordinates
    2. Recession velocity
      Velocity-distance relation; expansion and the velocity-distance law; Hubble sphere, cosmic horizon, observable universe; Hubble period, age of universe; deceleration
    3. Redshifts
      Doppler redshift; gravitational redshift; expansion redshift; multiple redshifts
    4. Evolution of the Universe
      Radiation-dominated era; matter-dominated era; 3 K cosmic background, anomalies; critical density; early universe
    5. Types of universe
      Expanding cosmic ball; flat universes; curved universes; steady-state universe; Einstein-de Sitter universe

Learning and Teaching

Learning Activities and Teaching Methods

Description Study time KIS type
20×1-hour lectures 20 hours SLT
2×1-hour problems/revision classes 2 hours SLT
5×6-hour self-study packages 30 hours GIS
4×4-hour problems sets 16 hours GIS
Reading, private study and revision 82 hours GIS

Assessment

Weight Form Size When ILOS assessed Feedback
0% Guided self-study 5×6-hour packages Fortnightly 1-11 Discussion in class
0% 4 × Problems sets 4 hours per set Fortnightly 1-11 Solutions discussed in problems classes.
100% Final Examination 120 minutes May/June assessment period 1-9 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:

Supplementary texts:

ELE:

Further Information

Prior Knowledge Requirements

Pre-requisite Modules Vector Mechanics (PHY1021) and Introduction to Astrophysics (PHY1022)
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%) 1-9 August/September assessment period

Notes: See Physics Assessment Conventions.

KIS Data Summary

Learning activities and teaching methods
SLT - scheduled learning & teaching activities 22 hrs
GIS - guided independent study 128 hrs
PLS - placement/study abroad 0 hrs
Total 150 hrs
Summative assessment
Coursework 0%
Written exams 100%
Practical exams 0%
Total 100%

Miscellaneous

IoP Accreditation Checklist
  • Not applicable, this is an optional module.
Availability unrestricted
Distance learning NO
Keywords Physics; Universes; Distances; Galaxy; Measurement; Redshifts; Evolution; Objective; Stars; Methods; Masses.
Created 01-Oct-10
Revised 01-Oct-11
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