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 Advanced Observational Astrophysics
Code PHYS362
Coordinator Dr B Davies
Physics
Ben.Davies@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2022-23 Level 6 FHEQ First Semester 7.5

Aims

To introduce students to the experimental techniques which enable astrophysicists to use the electromagnetic spectrum to study the physics of astronomical objects; to become familiar with the design of telescopes in the optical and infrared; to understand the physical basis of light detection in the optical; to understand observing techniques such as photometry, spectroscopy, and adaptive optics.

Learning Outcomes

(LO1) Understand and be able to compare and contrast the basic techniques and problems involved in observing all wavelengths of the electromagnetic spectrum

(LO2) Understand and be able to use and experimental concepts, as applied to observational astrophysics, of signal-to-noise ratio, sampling, resolution.

(LO3) Be able to determine the observing technique most appropriate for a given scientific goal

(S1) Be able to plan observations at a variety of wavelengths.

Syllabus
 

Telescopes and detectors. Basic design of telescopes and detectors across the electromagnetic spectrum, with a focus on optical and near infrared. Physical principles, operations. Spectroscopic/dispersive techniques. Observing and data analysis techniques. Sampling, resolution. Signal-to-noise ratio, data quality assessment. Calibration of raw data. Photometry and spectroscopy. Adaptive optics.

Teaching and Learning Strategies

Teaching Method 1 - Lecture
Attendance Recorded: Yes

Teaching Method 2 - Tutorial
Attendance Recorded: Yes

All lecture notes made available from beginning of module via VLE.

All lectures are recorded, and can be streamed by the students via the VLE within 1 day of the lecture.

All problem sets, whether formative or summative, are made available via VLE 1 week in advance of due date. Model solutions the problems are released 1 week after deadline, via VLE.

Teaching Schedule
  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 18

   4

       22
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 53
TOTAL HOURS 75

Assessment
EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Final Examination There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When): Semester 1  2    80       
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Assessment 3 (10%) due week 9. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is an anonymous assessment.  1    10       
Assessment 2 (5%) due week 11. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is an anonymous assessment.  0    5       
Assessment 2 (5%) due week 11. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is an anonymous assessment.  0    5       

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