58勛圖

AS2001 Astronomy and Astrophysics 2

Academic year

2026 to 2027 Semester 2

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

30

The Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) system allows credits gained in Scotland to be transferred between institutions. The number of credits associated with a module gives an indication of the amount of learning effort required by the learner. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits are half the value of SCOTCAT credits.

SCQF level

SCQF level 8

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.

Planned timetable

11:00 lectures and lab one afternoon 15:00 - 17:30

This information is given as indicative. Timetable may change at short notice depending on room availability.

Module description

This module comprises four lecture courses which extend knowledge gained in the first level AS1001 or AS1101 module, and discusses recent developments in the subject: (i) observational techniques - modern telescopes; instruments and detectors for multiwavelength observations; essential coordinate systems; (ii) the structure and evolution of stars - nucleosynthesis, stellar properties as a function of age, a complete understanding of the HR diagram; (iii) exoplanetary science - theoretical and observational studies of planetary systems beyond our own; (iv) galactic astronomy - the distribution and motion of stars, gas, dust, and dark matter in our Milky Way and other galaxies.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisites

BEFORE TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST ( PASS AS1001 OR PASS AS1111 ) AND ( PASS PH1011 OR PASS PH1012 OR PASS PH2011 ) AND PASS MT1002,IF MT1002 HAS NOT BEEN PASSED THEN A AT ADVANCED HIGHER MATHEMATICS, OR A AT A-LEVEL FURTHER MATHEMATICS, OR A AT BOTH A-LEVEL MATHEMATICS AND A-LEVEL PHYSICS, OR EQUIVALENT QUALIFICATIONS.

Anti-requisites

YOU CANNOT TAKE THIS MODULE IF YOU TAKE AS2101

Assessment pattern

Written Examination = 60%, 2 x Class Tests = 15%, Laboratory work = 25%

Re-assessment

Written Examination = 75%, Existing Laboratory work = 25%

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

4 x 1hr lectures x 11 weeks, 1hr tutorial x 8 weeks, 2.5hr laboratory x 9 weeks

Scheduled learning hours

87

The number of compulsory student:staff contact hours over the period of the module.

Guided independent study hours

213

The number of hours that students are expected to invest in independent study over the period of the module.

Intended learning outcomes

  • By the end of the modules, students will be able to show familiarity with a broad range of topics in modern astrophysics
  • By the end of the module, students will be able to show a strengthening of the skills learned in AS1001/AS1101 and level 1 physics and mathematics modules.
  • By the end of the modules, students will be able to show improved ability to analyse astronomical data, including the use of relevant software.
  • By the end of the module, students will be able to show an ability to formulate and solve quantitative problems by applying physical concepts and mathematical tools up to the level of differential and integral calculus to astrophysical systems

Additional information from school

For guidance on AS and PH modules please consult the School Handbook at /physics-astronomy/students/ug/timetables-handbooks/