Module Details
The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title INTRODUCTION TO ASTROPHYSICS
Code PHYS155
Coordinator Dr S Habergham
Physics
S.Habergham@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2021-22 Level 4 FHEQ Second Semester 7.5

Aims

To provide students with a broad introduction to astronomy and the constituents of the universe To explain how observations support our understanding of stars, galaxies, and the Universe as a whole To introduce students to the methods by which astronomers measure the brightness, properties and distance of astronomical objects

Learning Outcomes

(LO1) A basic knowledge of the structure and constituents of the Universe ranging in scale from the Solar System to clusters of galaxies

(LO2) Ability to outline the methods which astronomers employ to gather and analyse data

(LO3) Understanding of the techniques of measurement of brightness and distance of astronomical objects

(LO4) Knowledge of the current cosmological model and the evidence supporting it

(S1) Problem solving skills

(S2) Communication skills

(S3) IT skills

Syllabus
 

Basic concepts: The Earth in space, the Solar System  Observing: Telescopes, introduction to imaging and spectroscopy  Measurement of brightness and distance: Magnitude system, Hertzprung-Russell diagram, evolution of stars Galaxies and cosmology: types of galaxy, the distance ladder, the evolution of the universe Issues in Contemporary Astronomy: the Big Bang and the fate of the Universe; black holes; the missing mass problem; the search for extra solar planets;

Teaching and Learning Strategies

Teaching Method 1 - Asynchronous (pre-recorded) lectures
Description: Core Lecture
Attendance Recorded: No
Notes: 6 x 1.5h/week

Teaching Method 2 - Synchronous (live) lecture/discussion
Description: Core Lecture

Teaching Method 3 - Group Learning
Description: Group Learning
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Notes: 6 x 2h/week

The module will be delivered remotely in 2021. Asynchronous learning materials (notes/videos/exercises etc) will be made available to students through the VLE. The module will have regular synchronous sessions in active learning mode.
We are planning no changes to module content compared to previous years, and expect students to spend a similar amount of time-on-task compared to previous years. These changes will mainly constitute a rebalancing of hours from scheduled directed learning hours to unscheduled directed learning hours as students will have some flexibility as to when they access asynchronous materials.


Teaching Schedule
  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 3

         12

9

 24
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 51
TOTAL HOURS 75

Assessment
EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
open book time-controlled online examination  90 minutes for compl    60       
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Weekly summative assessments (in the form of 6 canvas quizzes) Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is not an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When) :S2 W6-11  90 minute window for    40       

Recommended Texts
Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.