Module: Space Science & Astronomy

Module Specifications.

Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025

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Date posted: September 2024

Module Title	Space Science & Astronomy
Module Code	PS213 (ITS) / ASP1003 (Banner)
Faculty	Science & Health	School	Physical Sciences
Module Co-ordinator	David Long
Module Teachers	-
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	Not Available
Co-requisite	Not Available
Compatibles	Not Available
Incompatibles	Not Available

Repeat examination
Array

Description

Module Aims: To introduce students to the space technology and astronomy both ground based and in space. To introduce the basic principles of space science & technology such as:Orbits, data transfer, communications, rocket propulsion, human space flight, history of space technology, stage separations, launch systems, organizations- NASA, ESA. To illustrate in particular the astronomical applications of space science. An introduction to galaxies, cosmology and the evolution of the universe.

Learning Outcomes

1. Ground based astronomy.
2. Space astronomy
3. Orbits and satellites
4. Rocket propulsion and the difficulties in launching, using and recovering satellites.
5. Gravitational & neutrino astronomy
6. Galaxies & cosmology

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full-time hours per semester
Lecture	24	2 lectures per week
Tutorial	6	1 hours per week
Assignment Completion	10	CA tests
Independent Study	85	studying lecture material, solving numerical problems, background reading
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

Ground based astronomy
Astronomical windows in the atmosphere. Ground based visible & infrared astronomy Angular resolution of a telescope Radio astronomy

Space astronomy
Hubble & Webb telescopes Astrometry satellites, parallax measurements Detecting exoplanets, Ultraviolet astronomy X-ray & γ ray astronomy

Orbits & satellites
Circular & elliptical orbits Gravitational potential energy & escape velocity. Transfer orbits and exploring the solar system

Rocket propulsion
Rocket propulsion, solid & liquid fuel rockets Launch sites and types of orbits Reusable rockets & future developments

Gravitational & neutrino astronomy
Detection of gravitational waves Neutrino astronomy

Galaxies & Cosmology
Our galaxy and other nearby galaxies Galactic clusters and the large-scale structure of the universe Cosmic microwave background Big Bang theory and the evolution of the universe

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	20%	Examination Weight	80%

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Course Work Breakdown
In Class Test	n/a	10%	Week 6
In Class Test	n/a	10%	Week 12

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories: Resit category 1: A resit is available for both* components of the module. Resit category 2: No resit is available for a 100% continuous assessment module. Resit category 3: No resit is available for the continuous assessment component where there is a continuous assessment and examination element.
* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a Continuous Assessment/Examination split; where the module is 100% continuous assessment, there will also be a resit of the assessment
This module is category 3

Indicative Reading List

H D Young & R A Freedman: 2019, University Physics, 15th, Pearson,

Other Resources

43928, Website, NASA, 0, NASA website, US, https://www.nasa.gov/, 43929, Website, ESA, 0, ESA website, Europe, https://www.esa.int/ESA, 43930, Website, 0, Space website, https://www.space.com/, 43931, Lecture notes, E Cunningham, 0, PS213 lecture notes, DCU, Loop.dcu.ie,