Module PHYS1081: INTRODUCTION TO ASTRONOMY

Department: Physics

PHYS1081: INTRODUCTION TO ASTRONOMY

Prerequisites

• A Level Physics and A Level OR AS-Level Mathematics.

Corequisites

• None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• Astronomy for All (PHYS1071)

Aims

• This module is designed to introduce students to the language and physical concepts of astronomy.
• Students will need to work with simple algebraic equations and basic calculus.
• The module provides students with a wide-ranging background in modern astronomy and astrophysics, together with familiarity with the night sky.
• The course takes a more detailed look at cosmology and the search for extra-solar planetary systems and life.
• Students will have the opportunity to view the night sky for themselves with telescopes or binoculars.

Content

• The syllabus contains:
• Overview of Astronomy: Wandering "stars" – planetary motion, Kepler's laws and gravity.
• The Grand Tour – the terrestrial planets, the gas giants, comets and asteroids. Cosmogony.
• The Stars – measuring the stars, stellar classification, how the stars shine. The Sun as a star. Making sense of the "zoo" – stellar evolution, star clusters and ages. Stellar deaths – supernovae, white dwarfs, neutron stars and black holes.
• The Milky Way – the interstellar medium, mapping the Galaxy. The Milky Way's companions. Galaxies – the Hubble sequence, spiral and elliptical galaxies, measuring distances. Clusters and superclusters. Colliding galaxies. Active galaxies and quasars. Oh dear, where can the matter be? – weighing galaxies. The expanding universe.
• Tools of the Trade – telescope fundamentals, diffraction, resolution, light gathering power, detectors. Using the spectrum – radio, optical, X-ray and gamma ray telescopes. Neutrino astronomy.
• Astrobiology: To investigate the technical challenges to be faced in detecting planetary systems around stars other than the Sun and the basic physics which determines whether conditions will be suitable for life to form on such planets.
• A User's Guide to the Night Sky: Positions in the Sky: the celestial sphere, coordinate systems, diurnal motion, the "fixed" stars and the key constellations, the stellar magnitude system.
• Annual Motions: vernal equinox, summer solstice, autumnal equinox, winter solstice, the Sun's apparent motion, mean solar time, sidereal time.
• The Moon: motion, phases, lunar occultations, eclipses.
• Planetary Motions: the apparent motions as seen from the Earth, inferior and superior planets, comets.
• Near Earth Phenomena: aurora, meteors, artificial satellites including the ISS and iridium flashes.
• The stars and beyond: key bright stars, variable stars, star clusters, nebulae, the Milky Way, the Magellanic Clouds, galaxies and beyond.
• Cosmic History: The expanding Universe.
• The Big Bang.
• Dark matter.

Learning Outcomes

• Students will be able to describe the basic structure and content of the solar system.
• They will know, and be able to apply, the fundamental principles of optical telescopes and of other types of telescope.
• They will be aware of the challenges surrounding the detection of extra-solar planets and of the physical requirements for extra-terrestrial life.
• They will know the positions in the night sky of key objects and have a basic knowledge of celestial motions and phenomena.
• They will be familiar with the Big Bang theory of the creation and expansion of the Universe.

• Students will be able to apply the basic principles of physics and astronomy to the solution of a range of problems.
• They will know how to produce a well-structured solution, with clearly-explained reasoning and appropriate presentation.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• Teaching will be by lectures with some optional evening observational classes. The lectures will provide the means to give a concise, focussed presentation of the subject matter of the module. The lectures will also be supported by recommended textbooks and, when appropriate, by distribution of written material, or by information and relevant links on DUO.
• Regular problem sheets will give students the chance to develop their theoretical understanding and problem solving abilities.
• Students will be able to obtain further help in their studies by approaching their lecturers, either after lectures or at other mutually convenient times (the Department has a policy of encouraging such enquiries).
• Student performance will be summatively assessed through an examination and problem exercises. The examination and problem exercises will provide the means for students to demonstrate their acquisition of subject knowledge and the development of their problem-solving skills. The problem exercises will also provide opportunities for feedback, for students to gauge their progress, and for the Board of Studies to monitor progress throughout the duration of the module.
• The formative multiple-choice test provides opportunity for feedback and for students to identify and address misunderstandings during the course of the module.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

A multiple choice test.

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University