Astronomy Laboratory 1 ASTRO4001P

  • Academic Session: 2024-25
  • School: School of Physics and Astronomy
  • Credits: 10
  • Level: Level 4 (SCQF level 10)
  • Typically Offered: Semester 2
  • Available to Visiting Students: Yes
  • Collaborative Online International Learning: No

Short Description

To provide students with an opportunity to develop insight into the key principles and applications of Astronomy Laboratory 1, and their relevance to current developments in astronomy.

Timetable

Tuesdays 11am - 5pm

Requirements of Entry

This course is normally only open to students who meet the requirements for entry, or progression, for a degree programme which includes Astronomy Laboratory 1 as an elective or compulsory course.

 

Astronomy Laboratory 1 is a compulsory course for the following degree programmes:

 

BSc (Honours) Physics with Astrophysics, MSci Physics with Astrophysics

 

Astronomy Laboratory 1 is an elective course for the following degree programmes:

 

BSc (Designated) Physics, BSc (Designated) Combined Physics, BSc (Designated) Physics with Astrophysics

 

Astronomy Laboratory 1 is a prohibited course for the following degree programmes:

 

BSc (Honours) Physics, BSc (Honours) Combined Physics, BSc (Honours) Chemical Physics, MSci Physics, MSci Theoretical Physics, MSci Combined Physics, MSci Chemical Physics, MSci Chemical Physics with Work Placement

 

Excluded Courses

Astronomy Skills 1

Assessment

Laboratory 100%

Main Assessment In: April/May

Are reassessment opportunities available for all summative assessments? Not applicable

Reassessments are normally available for all courses, except those which contribute to the Honours classification. For non Honours courses, students are offered reassessment in all or any of the components of assessment if the satisfactory (threshold) grade for the overall course is not achieved at the first attempt. This is normally grade D3 for undergraduate students and grade C3 for postgraduate students. Exceptionally it may not be possible to offer reassessment of some coursework items, in which case the mark achieved at the first attempt will be counted towards the final course grade. Any such exceptions for this course are described below. 

Course Aims

To present an integrated course of study providing students with knowledge and understanding of the astrophysical universe, and of the methods and principles of astrophysical enquiry. To provide training and experience in the principles and practice of astronomical observation and measurement and in the reduction and analysis of observational data. To develop the students' ability to work effectively, singly and in small groups.

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

By the end of the course, students will be able to: programme straightforward procedures in a high level computer language, or use professional-level astronomical software, to solve astrophysical problems and analyse data from astronomical sources; plan and execute experimental investigations of physical processes using both bench and astronomical equipment; evaluate uncertainties inherent in experimental measurements; make a critical analysis and draw valid conclusions from the results of experimental investigations; write clear and concise reports in a scientific style, containing a full description of the aims, methods, outcomes and conclusions of a piece of laboratory work.

Minimum Requirement for Award of Credits

Not applicable.