Stars and Planets

Cod y Modiwl
PH28620
Teitl y Modiwl
Stars and Planets
Blwyddyn Academaidd
2027/2028
Semester
Semester 1
Cyd-gysylltydd y Modiwl
Dr Tony Cook
Rhestr Ddarllen
Gweld ar Aspire
Rhagofynion

A Level Physics and Mathematics or equivalent
Staff Eraill sy'n Cyfrannu

Dulliau Asesu

Math o Asesiad

Manylion Asesiad

Cyfran
Asesiad Semester Continuous Assignments: 30%
Arholiad Semester Examination: 3 Awr 70%
Asesiad Ailsefyll Continuous Assignments: 30%
Arholiad Ailsefyll Examination: 3 Awr 70%

Canlyniadau Dysgu

Wedi cwblhau'r modiwl dylai'r myfyrwyr fedru:

  1. Summarise the basic features of observational astronomy and infer stellar distances, colours, and diameters.
  2. Examine the structure of stars and planets.
  3. Discuss the formation and evolution of stars and planets.
  4. Evaluate the current techniques for determining the surface and internal composition of planets
  5. Assess current observations, detection techniques, and atmospheric models.

Disgrifiad cryno

The course provides an overview of stars and planets, their formation, structure, and evolution. PH18010 provides useful background for the module but is not essential as a prerequisite.

Nod

The aim of the module is to develop the student's understanding of the principles and techniques of stellar / planetary detection and measurement techniques, the formation and evolution of stars and planets. The module covers core topics in physical sciences degree schemes and prepares the students for use of the topics in more advanced Year 3 modules.

Cynnwys

Stars: measurement techniques

Methods used to determine distance to stars and hence their luminosity;
Methods of measuring stellar masses and radii;
Spectroscopy of eclipsing binaries;
Radial velocity/Doppler shift;
Spectroscopic parallax;
Standard candles: Cepheid Variables, Type 1a supernovae;
The Tully Fisher relation and Hubble's Law;

Stars: theory

The Hertzsprung-Russell diagram;
Star-birth;
The main sequence;
Nuclear reactions;
Stellar evolution, Post-main sequence;
Particle degeneracy in stars;
Stellar remnants: white dwarfs, neutron stars, black holes;

Planets

Defining planets;
Terrestrial planets, gas giants, ice giants;
Minor objects: Kuiper belt objects, Oort cloud objects, asteroids, meteoroids and dust;
The exoplanetary 'zoo' and exoplanet detection methods;
Planetary formation, accretion in the protostellar nebula;
Planetary structure and generation of magnetic fields;
Planetary dynamics: orbits, tides, moons and rings;
Planetary surface processes: cratering, erosion, tectonics;
Planetary geodesy and planetary mapping;
Comparative planetology.

Sgiliau Modiwl

Math o Sgiliau

Manylion Sgiliau
Cyfathrebu proffesiynol Clear presentation of work by the students in courseworks and the semester examination develop written communication skills.
Datrys Problemau Creadigol Problem solving is a key skill in physics and will be tested via the problem questions posed in the assignments and the semester examination.
Myfyrdod The assignments are used in order that students might reflect on their progress during the module
Sgiliau Pwnc-benodol Stellar / planetary formation, structure, evolution, observational techniques, are core topics in Physics degree schemes. Students are expected to gain understanding of these topics.

Nodau

Mae'r modiwl hwn yn cydymffurfio a FfCChC Lefel 5