Registry

Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2012 - 2013
Please note that this information is subject to change.

Module Title	The Universe
Module Code	PS108
School	School of Physical Sciences
Online Module Resources
Module Co-ordinator	Semester 1: Eamonn Cunningham Semester 2: Eamonn Cunningham Autumn: Eamonn Cunningham
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

Description

A general introduction to astronomy & astrophysics assuming no prior knowledge. Including the solar system, stars, galaxies and an introduction to cosmology.

Learning Outcomes

1. Describe the structure and dynamics of the solar system.
2. Calculate the resolving power and capabilities of astronomical instruments at various wavelengths.
3. Explain the power source of stars and the evolution of different types of stars.
4. Describe the properties of galaxies and their distribution in the universe
5. Describe the history of the Universe, the Big Bang theory and its implications for the future evolution of the Universe.

Workload	Full-time hours per semester
*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Lecture	25	Lecture
Tutorial	6	Tutorial (problem session)
Examination	3	In class tests (3)
Independent learning	91	Independent learning
Total Workload: 125

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Solar System.
Structure and dynamics of the solar system. Kepler's laws and gravitation..

Astronomical Instrumentation.
Optical telescopes, resolution and magnitude limits. Radio telescopes and their properties. Observations at other wavelengths..

Stars.
Spectrum, luminosity and surface temperature of stars. Nuclear fusion and the life cycle of stars. Hertzsprung-Russell diagram..

Galaxies.
Structure and evolution of galaxies. Measuring distances and the expansion of the Universe. Big Bang theory and the cosmic microwave background..

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	30%	Examination Weight	70%

Course Work Breakdown
Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
In Class Test	Test 1	10%	Week 4
In Class Test	Test 2	10%	Week 8
In Class Test	Test 3	10%	Week 12

Reassessment Requirement
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; 1 = A resit is available for all components of the module 2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module 3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
This module is category 3

Indicative Reading List

Ian Morison: 2008, Introduction to Astronomy & Cosmology, Wiley, UK, 978-0-470-03334-0
W.J. Kaufmann and R.A.Freedman: 2005, The Universe, Seventh, Freeman & Co., US, 0-7167-9884-0

Other Resources

604, Moodle website, E Cunningham, 2009, PS108 lecture notes, Ireland,

Array

Programme or List of Programmes

BSc in Applied Physics

BSSA

Study Abroad (DCU Business School)

BSSAO

Study Abroad (DCU Business School)

ECSA

Study Abroad (Engineering & Computing)

ECSAO