Module: Space Science & Astronomy

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Space Science & Astronomy
Module Code	ASP1003 (ITS: PS213)
Faculty	Science & Health	School	Physical Sciences
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

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. 1D646860-74EE-0001-85ED-D53015E02990
2. Ground based astronomy.
4. 7,6
5. 1
6. 1E37C74B-FB06-0001-79FD-48C0406570A0
7. Space astronomy
9. 7,6,8
10. 2
11. 1D646860-0462-0001-C0F6-C02D1B201797
12. Orbits and satellites
14. 7,6,9
15. 3
16. 1D646860-B4C6-0001-949F-1D4C878A10C5
17. Rocket propulsion and the difficulties in launching, using and recovering satellites.
19. 7,6,8
20. 4
21. 1E37C74C-2E47-0001-625C-C64013E03A00
22. Gravitational & neutrino astronomy
24. 7,6
25. 5
26. 1E37C74C-3895-0001-E980-13301F23167F
27. Galaxies & cosmology
29. 7,6,9,10
30. 6

*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

Section Breakdown
CRN	20047	Part of Term	Semester 2
Coursework	20%	Examination Weight	80%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	N
Resit Category	RC3	Best Mark	Y
Module Co-ordinator	David Long	Module Teacher

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
In Class Test	n/a	10%	Week 6
In Class Test	n/a	10%	Week 12
Formal Examination	End-of-Semester Final Examination	80%	End-of-Semester

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

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

Error parsing Indicative Content: Control character error, possibly incorrectly encoded - 3

Indicative Reading List

Books:

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

Articles:
None

Other Resources

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