Course finder
Semester 1
Discovering Astronomy (PHYS08039)
Subject
Physics and Astronomy
College
SCE
Credits
20
Normal Year Taken
1
Delivery Session Year
2023/2024
Pre-requisites
It is recommended that students have Higher or GCSE maths, or equivalent.
Course Summary
Discovering Astronomy is an introductory astronomy course that should be accessible to any student. We assume a basic level of numeracy, but no mathematics more complicated than simple algebra and simple trigonometry is used. The course covers a wide range of topics, from understanding our Sun and Solar System through to Cosmology and the Big Bang. The course has a set textbook that we follow quite closely and is supported by online material accessed from the course homepage.
Course Description
Syllabus:- History of Astronomy- Gravity and planetary motions- Our Sun- The Solar System- Telescopes & observational astronomy- Extrasolar planets- The evolution of stars- White dwarfs, neutron stars and black holes- Our Milky Way galaxy- The formation and evolution of galaxies- Cosmology and the Big Bang
Assessment Information
Written Exam 67%, Coursework 33%, Practical Exam 0%
Additional Assessment Information
4 x Tutorial hand-ins (best 3 of 4 count 1/6 of final mark)5 x Practical Workshop hand-ins (best 4 of 5 count 1/6 of final mark)1 x Final exam (2/3 of final mark)
view the timetable and further details for this course
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