Study information

Introduction to Astrophysics - 2023 entry

MODULE TITLEIntroduction to Astrophysics CREDIT VALUE15
MODULE CODEPHY1022 MODULE CONVENERDr Eric Hébrard (Coordinator)
DURATION: TERM 1 2 3
DURATION: WEEKS 11
Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated) 150
DESCRIPTION - summary of the module content

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.

AIMS - intentions of the module
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) (see assessment section below for how ILOs will be assessed)
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 - summary of the structure and academic content of the module
I. Introduction
Brief historical survey.
 
II. Quantum Mechanics
1. Black body radiation
2. Photoelectric effect
3. Wave-particle duality
4. Zero-point motion; vacuum fluctuations
5. Heisenberg's Uncertainty Principle
 
III. Quantum Structure and Spectra of Simple Atoms
1. Bohr model
2. Pauli Exclusion Principle
3. Quantum numbers and Hund's rules
 
IV. 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
 
V. 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
 
VI. 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
 
VII. Galaxies
1. Large-scale structure
2. Interstellar medium
3. Redshift
 
VIII. The Universe
1. Birth
2. Expansion
3. Dark matter
4. Dark energy
LEARNING AND TEACHING
LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS (given in hours of study time)
Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities 34 Guided Independent Study 116 Placement / Study Abroad 0
DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS
Category Hours of study time Description
Scheduled learning & teaching activities 22 22×1-hour lectures
Guided independent study 30 5×6-hour self-study packages
Guided independent study 14 7×2-hour problem sets
Scheduled learning & teaching activities 9 Problems class support
Scheduled learning & teaching activities 3 Tutorial support
Guided independent study 72 Reading, private study and revision

 

ASSESSMENT
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT - for feedback and development purposes; does not count towards module grade
Form of Assessment Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Exercises set by tutor (0%) 3×1-hour sets (typical) (Scheduled by tutor) 1-7 Discussion in tutorials
Guided self-study (0%) 5×6-hour packages (Fortnightly) 1-7 Discussion in tutorials

 

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)
Coursework 10 Written Exams 90 Practical Exams
DETAILS OF SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Form of Assessment % of Credit Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
7 × Problems Sets 10% 2 hours per set (weekly) 1-7 Marked in problems class, then discussed
Mid-term Test 1 15% 30 minutes (Weeks 1-4) 1-7 Marked, then discussed in tutorials
Mid-term Test 2 15% 30 minutes (Weeks 1-9) 1-7 Marked, then discussed in tutorials
Final Examination 60% 120 minutes (January) 1-7 Mark via MyExeter, collective feedback via ELE and solutions.

 

DETAILS OF RE-ASSESSMENT (where 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
       
       

 

RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES
An original assessment that is based on both examination and coursework, tests, etc., is considered as a single element for the purpose of referral; i.e., the referred mark is based on the referred examination only, discounting all previous marks. In the event that the mark for a referred assessment is lower than that of the original assessment, the original higher mark will be retained.
 
Physics Modules with PHY Codes
Referred examinations will only be available in PHY3064, PHYM004 and those other modules for which the original assessment includes an examination component - this information is given in individual module descriptors.
RESOURCES
INDICATIVE LEARNING RESOURCES - The following list is offered as an indication of the type & level of
information that you are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Convener

 

Reading list for this module:

Type Author Title Edition Publisher Year ISBN
Set Young, H. D. and R. A. Freedman University Physics with Modern Physics 14th Pearson 2015 978-1-292-10031-9
Extended Carroll, B. W. and D. A. Ostlie Introduction to Modern Astrophysics 2nd Cambridge University Press 2017 978-1-108-38098-0
Extended Harrison, E.R. Cosmology: the Science of the Universe Cambridge University Press 1981 0-521-22981-2
Extended Hey, T. and Walters, P.W. The Quantum Universe CUP 1987 0-521-31845-9
CREDIT VALUE 15 ECTS VALUE 7.5
PRE-REQUISITE MODULES None
CO-REQUISITE MODULES None
NQF LEVEL (FHEQ) 4 AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING No
ORIGIN DATE Tuesday 16th February 2021 LAST REVISION DATE Thursday 26th January 2023
KEY WORDS SEARCH Physics; Energy; Matter; Motion; Particle; Planets; Quantum mechanics; Stars; Structure; Universe.

Please note that all modules are subject to change, please get in touch if you have any questions about this module.