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 PLANETARY PHYSICS
Code PHYS355
Coordinator Dr C Copperwheat
Physics
Christopher.Copperwheat@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2024-25 Level 6 FHEQ Second Semester 7.5

Aims

To provide a background in Geophysics and solar system planetary science towards the understanding of exoplanet system research; to introduce methods of exoplanet detection, and current physical understanding of exoplanet systems.

Learning Outcomes

(LO1) Understanding of the principles of physics applied to understanding the interior of the Earth.

(LO2) Understanding of theories of solar system formation and evolution, including orbital evolution.

(LO3) Understanding of models of the interiors, atmospheres and magnetospheres of planets in the solar system.

(LO4) Understanding and application of methods of exoplanet detection.

(LO5) Introduction to planetary study of non-solar system bodies.

(S1) Problem solving skills.

(S2) Numeracy.

(S3) IT skills.

Syllabus
 

Solar System: Formation and composition. Orbits, two- and three-body problem. Internal structure and composition of planets, moment of inertia, heat flow, shape and gravity, magnetic fields Extra-solar planets: Direct and indirect detection methods. Statistical characteristics of planetary systems. Interior stucture, atmospheres, habitable zone.

Teaching and Learning Strategies

Teaching Method 1 - Lecture
Description: In-person lectures delivered on campus. 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.
Attendance Recorded: Yes.

Teaching Method 2 - Laboratory Work
Description: Six practical sessions based around problem sets for the weeks’ material. The problem sets in week’s 2 and 4 contain assessed material. 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.
Attendance Recorded: Yes

Notes: Completion of problem sheets and practical reports.
Unscheduled Directed Student Hours (time spent away from the timetabled sessions but directed by the teaching staff): 18

Teaching Schedule
  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours       6

   18

18

 42
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 33
TOTAL HOURS 75

Assessment
EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
time-controlled closed book, in-person examination  2    80       
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Problem sheet 1 (exo-geophysics)  0    10       
Problem sheet 2 (exo-planets)  0    10       

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