MT4510 Solar Theory

Academic year

2024 to 2025 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 10

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

Not automatically available to General Degree students

Planned timetable

11.00 am Mon (odd weeks), Wed and Fri

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

Module coordinator

Dr T W Elsden

Dr T W Elsden
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 basic dynamic processes at work in the Sun, a subject which is being enlivened by dramatic new results from space missions.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisites

BEFORE TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST PASS MT2506 AND PASS MT3504

Assessment pattern

2-hour Written Examination = 100%

Re-assessment

Oral examination = 100%

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

2.5 lectures (x 10 weeks) and 1 tutorial (x 10 weeks).

Scheduled learning hours

35

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

Guided independent study hours

115

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

Intended learning outcomes

  • Demonstrate a basic understanding of different physical processes occurring in the Sun's atmosphere
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the assumptions underlying the MHD equations and an appreciation of the different, relevant timescales
  • Develop simple mathematical models based on the MHD equations to describe physical processes in the Sun's atmosphere and solve the relevant equations using standard techniques
  • Demonstrate the ability to analyse and interpret mathematical results in a physically-relevant context, in particular with regard to solar applications
  • Solve unseen standard problems based on the MHD equations