Module: Astronomical Techniques

Module Specifications.

Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025

All Module information is indicative, and this portal is an interim interface pending the full upgrade of Coursebuilder and subsequent integration to the new DCU Student Information System (DCU Key).

As such, this is a point in time view of data which will be refreshed periodically. Some fields/data may not yet be available pending the completion of the full Coursebuilder upgrade and integration project. We will post status updates as they become available. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Date posted: September 2024

Module Title	Astronomical Techniques
Module Code	PS310 (ITS) / ASP1004 (Banner)
Faculty	Science & Health	School	Physical Sciences
Module Co-ordinator	Robert Brose
Module Teachers	Maria Chernyakova, Samuel McKeague
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	7.5
Pre-requisite	Not Available
Co-requisite	Not Available
Compatibles	Not Available
Incompatibles	Not Available

None
Failure in the laboratory part requires reattendance.

Description

Module Aims: To allow students to learn the theory of multi-wavelength observations (from radio up to TeV) and to improve their skills in X-ray data analysis. 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 various telescopes. Solve related problems.
2. Reduce and analyse astronomical data using a professional astronomical data reduction package. Perform the main stages of the data analysis including detailed imaging, temporal and spectral analysis of the data and interpretation of the obtained results.
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.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full-time hours per semester
Lecture	24	No Description
Laboratory	80	8 hours/week
Independent Study	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. Point like and extended sources. Reduction techniques for X-ray data. Data filtering, imaging, spectral and timing analysis.

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	100%	Examination Weight	0%

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Course Work Breakdown
Report(s)	written report	27%	As required
Presentation	Oral presentation	3%	n/a
Report(s)	written report	20%	n/a
Presentation	Oral presentation	10%	n/a
Written Exam	Assessment of lecture material	40%	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 2

Indicative Reading List

Bradt, Hale: 0, Astronomy methods, Cambridge, 052136440X

Other Resources

None