Statistical Astronomy ASTRO5003

  • Academic Session: 2024-25
  • School: School of Physics and Astronomy
  • Credits: 15
  • Level: Level 5 (SCQF level 11)
  • Typically Offered: Runs Throughout Semesters 1 + 2 (Alternate Years)
  • Available to Visiting Students: Yes
  • Collaborative Online International Learning: No

Short Description

To provide students with an opportunity to develop knowledge and understanding of the key principles and applications of Statistical Astronomy, and their relevance to current developments in physics, at a level appropriate for a professional astronomer.

Timetable

27 lectures, on Wednesdays at 4pm and Fridays at 4pm

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 Statistical Astronomy as an elective or compulsory course.

 

Statistical Astronomy is an elective course for the following degree programmes:

 

MSci Theoretical Physics, MSci Combined Astronomy

 

Statistical Astronomy is a prohibited course for the following degree programmes:

 

BSc (Honours) Physics, BSc (Honours) Combined Physics, BSc (Honours) Chemical Physics, BSc (Honours) Physics with Astrophysics, BSc (Designated) Physics, BSc (Designated) Combined Physics, BSc (Designated) Physics with Astrophysics, BSc (Honours) Combined Astronomy, BSc (Designated) Combined Astronomy, MSci Physics, MSci Combined Physics, MSci Physics with Astrophysics, MSci Chemical Physics, MSci Chemical Physics with Work Placement.

Excluded Courses

None

Assessment

Examination

Main Assessment In: April/May

Course Aims

To provide students with an opportunity to develop knowledge and understanding of the key principles and applications of Statistical Astronomy, and their relevance to current developments in astronomy, at a level appropriate for a professional astronomer.

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

By the end of the course, students will be able to demonstrate a knowledge and broad understanding of Statistical Astronomy, and show a critical awareness of the significance and importance of the topics, methods and techniques discussed in the lectures and their relationship to concepts presented in other courses. They should be able to describe and analyse quantitatively processes, relationships and techniques relevant to the topics included in the course outline, applying these ideas and techniques to analyse critically and solve advanced or complex problems which may include unseen elements. They should be able to write down and, where appropriate, either prove or explain the underlying basis of astrophysical laws relevant to the course topics, and discuss their applications.

Minimum Requirement for Award of Credits

Not applicable.