AS3013 Computational Astrophysics

2024 to 2025 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 9

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

Monday and Thursday, 14:00 - 17:30

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

Module Staff

TBC

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

Module description

The aim of this module is to introduce students to computational methods in astrophysics. Working through concrete exercises on astrophysical problems, students will learn both numerical techniques as well as gain skills on programming in Fortran-90. The exercises also involve presenting results in the form of a report and the preparation of illustrative figures. Numerical techniques include parametric modelling of data, numerical integration, and simulations based on numerical solutions of differential equations.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisites

BEFORE TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST PASS PH2011 AND PASS PH2012 AND PASS MT2501 AND PASS MT2503

Assessment pattern

Coursework (practical work, the submission of computer code and computational solutions to given problems) = 100%

Re-assessment

No Re-assessment available - laboratory based

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

2 x 3.5-hour supervised or taught sessions (x 11 weeks). Mostly hands-on guided work on computers, but with occasional presentation.

Scheduled learning hours

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

Guided independent study hours

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

Additional information from school

To be confirmed