| Unit name | Astronomy 1 |
|---|---|
| Unit code | PHYS10500 |
| Credit points | 40 |
| Level of study | C/4 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 4 (weeks 1-24) |
| Unit director | Professor. Worrall |
| Open unit status | Open |
| Pre-requisites |
Normally A-level Mathematics or Physics or equivalents. |
| Co-requisites |
None |
| School/department | School of Physics |
| Faculty | Faculty of Science |
A broad introduction to modern astronomy covering the planets, stars and galaxies, and the observing techniques and astrophysics needed to understand them. The aim is to make you familiar with the dimensions, the time-scales and the physical conditions found in astronomy and to show how astronomical observations can be interpreted with the aid of physical laws, particularly the laws of radiation and gravity. The treatment of these topics assumes a familiarity with A-level mathematics, including calculus. The practical work on the course includes analysis of observational data on a wide range of astronomical topics.
Aims:
Astrophysical concepts:
To give students an introduction to concepts required in the astrophysical interpretation of astronomical observations and to demonstrate the application of physical laws to astrophysics.
Planets:
To familiarise students with the contents of the solar system and to discuss the physical characteristics and evolution of solar system bodies.
Stars:
To describe the various characteristics of stars which can be measured from Earth and the ways in which the physical nature of different types of stars may be inferred from a study of these characteristics and the correlations between them.
Astronomical techniques:
To describe the different instruments that are needed in modern astronomy to make observations over a wide range of wavelengths, and the coordinate systems and time systems which are required to allow observation of a particular astronomical object with one of these instruments.
Galaxies and cosmology:
To describe the observed contents and kinematics of our Galaxy, The Milky Way, the evolution of its systems, and how it might appear to an external observer. To compare with external galaxies, illustrating how we deduce their mass, luminosity, kinematics, clustering properties, evolution, and level of activity. To describe how contemporary measurements have influenced our understanding of how the universe evolved.
Astrophysical concepts:
Students should gain an understanding of concepts required in the astrophysical interpretation of astronomical observations and be able to demonstrate the application of physical laws to astrophysics.
Planets:
At the end of this course students should have an appreciation of the physical properties of the various bodies in the solar system, understand the basic processes affecting planetary atmospheres, surfaces and interiors, and gain some insight into observations of other planetary systems and current theories of planetary formation and evolution.
Stars:
Students should: become familiar with the measurements which can be made on stars. Understand how correlation plots of stellar properties have allowed us to classify stars into different types, and to place these types in an evolutionary sequence. Able to apply the laws governing the behaviour of gases to derive the conditions inside stars and to show that these conditions imply that thermonuclear reactions must be the energy sources of most stars. Be able to explain, in a general way, how the transient phenomena observed on the surfaces of stars can be understood in terms of local concentrations of magnetic field.
Astronomical techniques:
Students should be able to draw an observer's view of the sky at a particular time indicating the position of an object with given astronomical coordinates. Understand the limitations of the movement of the Sun when used as a clock and the relation between sidereal time and solar time. Understand the problems and advantages associated with making observations in different regions of the electromagnetic spectrum and the way in which telescope and detector design and use has responded to these problems and advantages.
Galaxies and cosmology:
Understand how to deduce the contents, shape, size, structure, and kinematics of our Galaxy based on observations at various wavelengths made from a non-central location and affected by such things as optical extinction due to dust. Able to apply methods of measuring the distances to and velocities of gas clouds and stars, and understand the gravitational arguments that cause astronomers to believe our Galaxy is embedded in a halo of nonvisible "Dark Matter". Understand how density and composition affect the appearance and evolution of structures of gas and stars, and how this affects the outward appearance of our Galaxy. Know the classifications given to external galaxies. Understand the role of kinematics and gravity in estimating the masses and luminosities of galaxies and clusters of galaxies, applying the methods to simple examples, and able to describe the essential kinematic differences between spiral and elliptical galaxies. Understand the role of X-ray emitting gas bound by the potential wells of clusters of galaxies. Able to articulate current wisdom on the role of evolution and mergers in shaping galaxy populations. Understand why some galaxies are classified as 'active' and know about some of the causes and manifestations of this activity. Able to describe the contents of the universe with reference to their importance in cosmology.
Practical work:
Ability to manipulate data, make simple measurements and calculations, and draw logical conclusions for areas covered in lectures.
Lectures, laboratory and revision classes for 3 hours per week total.
Formative Assessment:
Practical work and the problem sheets provide formative feedback.
Summative Assessment:
Two 2 hour examinations (85%), continuously assessed practical work (10%) and problem sheets (5%).
Zeilik and Gregory Introductory Astronomy and Astrophysics (1998 Saunders), and Roy and Clarke Astronomy: Principles and Practice (Adam Hilger)
