58勛圖

AS2101 Astrophysics 2

Academic year

2026 to 2027 Semester 2

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

15

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.

Availability restrictions

Normally available only to those who took 'direct entry' to second year

Planned timetable

11:00 (lectures)

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

Module description

This module is designed to extend the knowledge gained in the first level AS1001 or AS1111 module and to prepare the way for more advanced material appearing in the honours astrophysics modules. The module has three basic components dealing with the physics of stellar structure and evolution, the components and dynamics of galaxies, and exoplanetary science - theoretical and observational studies of planetary systems beyond our own . The module is based on the physical principles and mathematical techniques acquired earlier, and applied to the astrophysical concepts covered in AS1001 or AS1111.

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 AS2001

Assessment pattern

1.5-hour Written Examination = 80%, 2 x Class Tests = 20%

Re-assessment

1.5-hour Written Examination = 100%

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

3 or 4 lectures and 1 tutorial.

Scheduled learning hours

50

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

Guided independent study hours

100

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 module, 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 module, students will be able to show an improved ability to analyse astronomical data, including the use of relevant software.
  • By the end of the module, students will be able 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/