PHY2029 : Introduction to Observational Astronomy
- Offered for Year: 2024/25
- Module Leader(s): Dr Joachim Harnois-Deraps
- Co-Module Leader: Dr Chris Harrison
- Owning School: Mathematics, Statistics and Physics
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 2 Credit Value: | 10 |
| ECTS Credits: | 5.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Aims
To introduce the students to the basic techniques and skills of modern observational astronomy, tools and statistical techniques for analysing astronomical data and an understanding of the science that can be obtained from it.
The course will be based around two assignments. These will be written assignments, which will be a report on primarily computational based problems. The problems will make use of astronomical data (both real and simulated). During the lectures the students will be provided the tools and knowledge necessary to engage with the essential data analysis and to understand and explain the scientific implications of the results.
Outline Of Syllabus
The module is made up from two mini-project (assignment) areas.
The first half of the lectures and first assignment will cover:
1. Basic knowledge of mapping/tracking astronomical objects on the sky and how to plan to observe them with telescopes. Using measurements derived from photometric data and spectroscopic data of stars and galaxies to establish their properties (colours, ages, masses, central black holes etc.).
The second half of the lectures and the second assignment will cover:
2. Using accurate statistical tools on measurements from simulated and real observed data to investigate the properties of galaxy populations and study their connections to dark matter haloes.
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 36 | 1:00 | 36:00 | Completion of in course assignments/ examination revision |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 2 | 2:00 | 4:00 | Computer Lab Session |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 20 | 1:00 | 20:00 | Formal Lectures |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 40 | 1:00 | 40:00 | Preparation time for lectures, background reading, coursework review |
| Total | 100:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
The teaching methods are appropriate to allow students to develop a wide range of skills, from understanding basic concepts and facts to higher order thinking.
Lectures are used for the delivery of scientific theory and explanation of methods, illustrated with examples, and for giving general guidance/feedback on the assignment problems. The assignments will put these skills and knowledge into practise in a practical way.
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written exercise | 2 | M | 50 | Data analysis problem solving and interpretation |
| Written exercise | 2 | M | 50 | Data analysis problem solving and interpretation |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The two mini-projects allow the students to demonstrate their mastery of the techniques for analysing data from physical sciences and understanding the science that comes from it. The computer-based activities ensure that students have the expertise working with the tools, and the assignments focus on the data analysis in the context of scientific processes and conceptual interpretation.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- PHY2029's Timetable