2024/25 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

PHAS1010 Mechanics, Relativity and Astrophysics

Module manager: Benjamin Hanson
Email: b.s.hanson@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2024/25

Pre-requisite qualifications

'A' Level Physics and Maths or equivalent

Co-requisites

PHAS1000	First Year Physics Assessment
PHAS1020	Thermodynamics
PHAS1030	Electronics, Solid State and Introduction to Quantum Physics
PHAS1040	Vibrations, Waves and Optics
PHAS1050	Coding and Experimental Physics

Module replaces

PHYS1200, PHYS1020

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Module summary

This module covers fundamental physical theories and associated mathematical concepts that underpin the topics of mechanics, special relativity and astrophysics.

Objectives

In mechanics, students will learn to understand how to describe motion through physical space, together with the general causes of that motion: forces and energies. Students will also learn about using appropriate co-ordinate systems and learn the synergies between linear and circular motions. Students will develop the mathematical skills to describe mechanical processes, including vectors, unit vectors, scalar and vector products, calculus and summations.

In special relativity, students will extend their knowledge of co-ordinate systems to study motion as it appears to observers moving at different speeds. They will learn the theories originally developed by Einstein to describe this motion at speeds approaching the speed of light, and how the forces and energies of classical mechanics extend into the regime.

In Astrophysics, students will learn how to apply basic physical principles to objects in the Universe. They will also learn the basics of radiation and how we observe these phenomena.

Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will be able to demonstrate knowledge, understanding and application of the following:

In Mechanics
1. Kinematics
2. Dynamics, including gravity and other “types” of force
3. Work done & energy
4. Conserved properties
5. Rotational motion and co-ordinate systems

In Relativity
1. Relativistic kinematics
2. Relativistic dynamics

In Astrophysics
1. The basic properties of stars
2. Blackbody radiation
3. Kepler’s Third Law
4. The basic properties of galaxies
5. The basic properties of the interstellar medium

Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will be able to do the following:
1. Manage time and plan work to meet deadlines
2. Problem solving
3. Application of appropriate mathematics

Syllabus

Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module

Methods of Assessment

We are currently refreshing our modules to make sure students have the best possible experience. Full assessment details for this module are not available before the start of the academic year, at which time details of the assessment(s) will be provided.

Assessment for this module will consist of;

1 x Coursework

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Lecture	64	1.00	64.00
Tutorial	6	1.00	6.00
Independent online learning hours			24.00
Private study hours			106.00
Total Contact hours			70.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			200.00

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 13/11/2024

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