AS1101 Astrophysics (Direct Entry)
Academic year
2024 to 2025 Semester 1
Curricular information may be subject to change
Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.
Key module information
SCOTCAT credits
5
SCQF level
SCQF level 7
Availability restrictions
Available only to Direct Second level Entry students in Physics or Astrophysics
Planned timetable
11:00 am (approx. 3 lectures and 1 tutorial every two weeks). Total of 2 lab sessions, 3:00 to 5:30 pm
Module coordinator
Dr A Weijmans
Module description
This module provides a streamlined introduction to the science of astrophysics for students who have taken direct entry to Second level and who are planning to take level two astrophysics later in the same academic session. It covers the essential items of observational astrophysics and how the radiation that is detected on Earth can be used to develop a physical model of the Sun, stars, planets, our Galaxy and external galaxies as well as the Universe as a whole. Topics will include stellar evolution, the rotation curves of galaxies and the need for Dark Matter as well as the expanding Universe, Dark Energy and cosmology.
Relationship to other modules
Pre-requisites
DIRECT ENTRY TO LEVEL TWO AT THE UNIVERSITY OF ST ANDREWS WITH A DEGREE INTENTION OF ASTROPHYSICS, PHYSICS, THEORETICAL PHYSICS OR A JOINT DEGREE WITH ONE OF THESE.
Anti-requisites
YOU CANNOT TAKE THIS MODULE IF YOU TAKE AS1001 OR TAKE AS1002 OR TAKE PH1501
Co-requisites
YOU MUST ALSO TAKE PH2011
Assessment pattern
Coursework (Class test = 50%, laboratory work = 25%, take-home exam = 15%, online quizzes = 10%) = 100%
Re-assessment
1-hour Written Examination = 75%, Existing Laboratory work = 25%
Learning and teaching methods and delivery
Weekly contact
3 x 1hr lectures x 4 weeks, 1hr tutorial x 4 weeks, 2.5 hr lab x 2 weeks
Scheduled learning hours
21
Guided independent study hours
29