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Curricular information is subject to change
On completion of this module students should be able to:-
1. Summarise the development of ideas about the universe from earliest records to modern times;
2. Connect these ideas with their underlying empirical and/or theoretical foundations;
3. Relate observable phenomena in the universe to the underpinning physical processes;
4. Apply mathematical formulae and physical laws to solve problems in astronomical topics encountered;
5. Display familiarity with the motions, brightnesses and appearances of different celestial bodies in the sky;
6. Use astronomical tools and software to plan and execute naked-eye observations.
1.- Our place in the universe; distance scales; the Earth, Sun and Moon – orbits, phases and eclipses; planets, comets and meteorites in the solar system; cometary impacts; Kepler’s laws; gravity.
2.- The electromagnetic spectrum – visible light; radio waves; X and gamma rays; Doppler effect; telescopes; satellites; Hubble Space Telescope;
3.- Our Sun; energy source; solar activity; space weather; the fate of our sun.
4.- Stars - from birth to death; neutron stars; black holes; origin of the elements.
5.- The Milky Way galaxy; spiral, irregular & elliptical galaxies; active galaxies; supermassive black holes; distribution of galaxies in space; Hubble’s law.
6- The Big Bang and the fate of the universe; dark matter and dark energy.
7.- Life in the universe; extra-solar planetary systems; detectability of life on other planets; future space missions.
Student Effort Type | Hours |
---|---|
Lectures | 24 |
Tutorial | 10 |
Autonomous Student Learning | 91 |
Total | 125 |
Not applicable to this module.
Description | Timing | Component Scale | % of Final Grade | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Examination: Final exam consisting on 25 Multi-Choice Questions (25% of the exam), short-questions (45% of the exam) and simple math-based problems (up to 30% of the exam) | 2 hour End of Trimester Exam | No | Standard conversion grade scale 40% | No | 60 |
Continuous Assessment: Weekly short assignments | Varies over the Trimester | n/a | Standard conversion grade scale 40% | No | 40 |
Resit In | Terminal Exam |
---|---|
Spring | Yes - 2 Hour |
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment
• Peer review activities
The answers of the assignments will be reviewed during the tutorials. In a few cases, the students may review other students work to better understand how to approach essay-style questions. The solutions to all assignments will be posted online.
Name | Role |
---|---|
Ms Angela Dunne O'Toole | Tutor |
Dr Robert Jeffrey | Tutor |
Lecture | Offering 1 | Week(s) - Autumn: Weeks 2-12 | Fri 13:00 - 13:50 |
Lecture | Offering 1 | Week(s) - Autumn: Weeks 2-12 | Tues 13:00 - 13:50 |
Tutorial | Offering 1 | Week(s) - 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 | Wed 12:00 - 12:50 |
Tutorial | Offering 2 | Week(s) - 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 | Fri 10:00 - 10:50 |
Tutorial | Offering 3 | Week(s) - 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 | Fri 12:00 - 12:50 |