Module: Astronomical Techniques

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Astronomical Techniques
Module Code	ASP1004 (ITS: PS310)
Faculty	Physical Sciences	School	Science & Health
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	7.5

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

Section Breakdown
CRN	10068	Part of Term	Semester 1
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC2	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	David Long	Module Teacher	Albert Ellingboe, Karsten Fleischer, Maria Chernyakova

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment 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; 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

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.

Indicative Reading List

Books:

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

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None