58勛圖

AS5003 Contemporary Astrophysics

Academic year

2026 to 2027 Semester 1

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 11

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

Available only to MPhys Astrophysics or MSc Astrophysics students.

Planned timetable

12:00 and 14:00

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

Module description

This module will provide an annual survey of the latest, most interesting, developments in astronomy and astrophysics at the research level. Emphasis will be placed upon the application of knowledge and expertise gained by students in their other modules to these current research topics.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisites

FOR MPHYS: BEFORE TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST PASS AS4010, AS4012, PH3061 AND PH3081. FOR MSC: STUDENTS MUST HAVE SUBSTANTIAL ASTRONOMY KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS.

Assessment pattern

2-hour Written Examination = 100%

Re-assessment

Oral Re-assessment, capped at grade 7

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

3 lectures or tutorials

Scheduled learning hours

30

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

Guided independent study hours

120

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

Intended learning outcomes

  • Use accumulated knowledge and apply it to topics of current astrophysical research
  • Understand the primary concepts in research level astrophysics topics; formulate an approach to novel and unsolved problems
  • Understand the different techniques and approaches used in various topics
  • Make critical judgement of the merit of research papers in astrophysics

Additional information from school

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