AS2101 Astrophysics 2

2023 to 2024 Semester 2

Curricular information may be subject to change

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

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 coordinator

Dr C J Cyganowski

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module description

This module is designed to extend the knowledge gained in the first level AS1001 or AS1101 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 AS1101.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisites

BEFORE TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST ( PASS AS1001 OR PASS AS1101 ) AND PASS MT1002 AND PASS PH2011

Anti-requisites

YOU CANNOT TAKE THIS MODULE IF YOU TAKE AS2001

Assessment pattern

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

Re-assessment

2-hour Written Examination = 100%

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

3 or 4 lectures and 1 tutorial.

Scheduled learning hours

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.

Additional information from school

Overview

This module is run in tandem with AS2001. It comprises three of the four lecture courses of AS2001: (i) the structure and evolution of stars - nucleosynthesis, stellar properties as a function of age, a complete understanding of the HR diagram; (ii) exoplanetary science - the formation, evolution and observational characterisation of exoplanetary systems; (iii) galactic astronomy - the distribution and motion of stars, gas, dust, and dark matter in our Milky Way and other galaxies.

AS2101 students participate in tutorial groups but do not do the practical laboratory work normally associated with the AS2001 module.

Aims & Objectives

To introduce students to a broad range of topics across modern astrophysics. To develop problem solving skills through tutorials.

Learning Outcomes

Familiarity with a broad range of topics in modern astrophysics;

The 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.

Synopsis

Exoplanetary science

This course looks at methods for observational detection and characterisation of exoplanets, theories of the formation and migration of planets in circumstellar accretion discs, and the implications for internal structures of gas-giant and terrestrial-like planets.

Stellar Structure and Evolution

The determination and distribution of stellar masses, radii and luminosities; the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram, mass-luminosity law and Vogt-Russell theorem. Sources of stellar energy, nucleosynthesis of hydrogen, helium and carbon. Star formation and evolution; the ages of star clusters; supernova events and the synthesis of heavy elements. Final states - white dwarfs, neutron stars (pulsars) and black holes.

Galactic Astronomy

This course will investigate the distribution and motions of stars, gas and dust within our own galaxy in order to determine its dimensions and overall properties. Properties of other galaxies will be discussed. Topics include: galactic coordinate systems; the solar motion and distribution of stellar velocities; differential galactic rotation, the rotation velocity at the Sun and the distance to the Galactic Centre; rotation curves of the Milky Way and other galaxies; galaxy masses and "dark" matter.

Accreditation Matters

This module may not contain material that is part of the IOP “Core of Physics”, but does contribute to the wider and deeper learning expected in an accredited degree programme. The skills developed in this module, and others, contribute towards the requirements of the IOP “Graduate Skill Base”.

Recommended Books

Please view University online record:

http://resourcelists.st-andrews.ac.uk/modules/as2101.html

General Information

Please also read the additional information in the School's handbook for first and second level modules that is available via https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/physics-astronomy/students/ug/timetables-handbooks/.