2023/24 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

PHYS1020 Stars and Galaxies

10 creditsClass Size: 200

Module manager: Prof. Melvin Hoare
Email: M.G.Hoare@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2023/24

Pre-requisite qualifications

A level Physics, A level Maths

Module replaces

PHYS1170 Physics of Stars and Planets, and PHYS1180 Galaxies and the Universe

This module is approved as a discovery module

Module summary

This module is an introduction to astrophysics for those with some science background. The basics of the Sun, stars, galaxies and Universe will be covered. Some mathematical equations will be used but no calculus. The module will be illustrated with images from the world's top telescopes from across the spectrum.

Objectives

This module provides an introduction to astrophysics. It introduces the different types of stars and galaxies that make up the Universe. The telescopes used to explore the Universe will also be introduced. The insights gained from using different wavebands such as infrared, radio and X-ray will be highlighted. Students will be exposed to data from these telescopes to illustrate the main points of the module.

Learning outcomes
Students will be able to demonstrate knowledge, understanding and application of:

1. The basic properties of stars including the Sun.
2. The basic properties of galaxies including the Milky Way and active galaxies.
3. The basic properties of the interstellar medium.
4. Observational methods used to determine the above properties.
5. The multi-wavelength appearance of galaxies

Syllabus

The Sun: Surface temperature, blackbody radiation, luminosity, energy source, lifetime. Solar surface, granulation, sunspots.
Telescopes across the spectrum: Ground vs Space, diameter, resolution, seeing, interferometers.
Stars: Stellar parameters: brightness, magnitudes, colours, temperatures. Spectra, absorption lines, spectral types.
The Hertzsprung-Russell diagram. Stellar types and populations. Distances, parallax, proper motion. Stellar masses from binary systems.
Galaxies: Classification: spirals, ellipticals, irregulars. Interstellar gas and dust. Multi-wavelength views of The Milky Way and other galaxies
Universe: The distance scale, standard candles: Cepheids and supernovae. The expansion of the universe, Hubble's Law.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Seminar	22	1.00	22.00
Independent online learning hours			22.00
Private study hours			56.00
Total Contact hours			22.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			100.00

Private study

56 hours to used for background reading, preparing for lectures, researching and writing assignments.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Feedback from in course MCQs

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
In-course MCQ	Regular MCQs	30.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		30.00

Resists will be in standard exam format.

Exams

Exam type	Exam duration	% of formal assessment
Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc)	2 hr 00 mins	70.00
Total percentage (Assessment Exams)		70.00

Students will have to complete an in-person exam at the end of the module. This will take place during the examinations period at the end of the semester and will be time bound.

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 28/04/2023 14:55:12

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