Registry

Module Specifications

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

Module Title	Astronomical Techniques
Module Code	PS310
School	School of Physical Sciences
Online Module Resources
Module Co-ordinator	Semester 1: Maria Chernyakova Semester 2: Maria Chernyakova Autumn: Maria Chernyakova
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	7.5
Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

Description

Module Aims: To allow students to learn how to analyse astronomical data with particular relevance to aspects important for the field trip in the next semester. To develop advanced measurement skills and good laboratory practice by doing laboratories relevant to common astrophysical problems.

Learning Outcomes

1. Discuss the physical principles of observations with telescopes, astrophotography, spectroscopy and interferometry in astrophysics. Identify and discuss astrophysical detectors (in particular CCDs) and the related noise reduction techniques. Solve related problems.
2. Reduce and analyse astronomical spectroscopic data using a professional astronomical data reduction package.
3. Carry out in the lab experimental measurements using various measurements devices and applying the suitable error analysis.
4. Identify the physical principles involved in the laboratory experiments and discuss them in the context of astrophysical situations.
5. Apply safe laboratory practise.
6. Write a report on a scientific experiment.

Workload	Full-time hours per semester
*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Lecture	24	No Description
Laboratory	80	8 hours/week
Independent learning	86	report writing, preparing for written exam
Total Workload: 190

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

Indicative Syllabus.
Introduction to LINUX computing system and brief introduction to computing standards in astronomy. Introduction to various instrumentation aspects, e.g. CCD detectors, signal and noise, statistics. Concepts and principles of basic experimental techniques to include photography; astro-photography basics as examples. Atmospheric conditions. Focal length, aperture, optical quality, resolution. Telescopes, image formation, antenna beams, resolution enhancements (speckled interferometry, adaptive optics). Multiple telescope interferometry. Point like and extended sources.Reduction techniques for optical spectroscopical data..

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	70%	Examination Weight	30%

Course Work Breakdown
Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Presentation	written report	40%	n/a
Presentation	written report	30%	n/a

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