MT5850 Advanced Solar Theory

2025 to 2026 Semester 1

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 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.

Planned timetable

12 noon Mon (weeks 2, 4, 7, 9, 11), Tue & Thu

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

Module coordinator

Dr A J B Russell

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

Module Staff

Dr Alex Russell

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

Module description

The object of this module is to describe the magnetohydrodynamic processes at work in the Sun, using modern techniques of applied mathematics, and to discuss the latest theories in relation to aspects of current research within the School.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisites

BEFORE TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST PASS MT4510

Anti-requisites

YOU CANNOT TAKE THIS MODULE IF YOU TAKE MT5810

Assessment pattern

2-hour written examination = 100%

Re-assessment

Oral examination = 100%

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

2.5 lecture (x 10 weeks), 1 tutorial (x 10 weeks)

Scheduled learning hours

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

Guided independent study hours

117

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

Intended learning outcomes

Demonstrate an advanced understanding of magnetohydrodynamics (MHD), in particular with regards to solar applications
Formulate and apply advanced MHD models to describe a large variety of solar phenomena
Demonstrate that they have acquired the mathematical skills to carry out complex and advanced calculations using the MHD equations
Analyse, interpret and evaluate sophisticated mathematical calculations in the context of solar applications
Solve unseen advanced mathematical problems based on the MHD equations