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Module Title |
Astronomical Techniques
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Module Code |
PS310
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School |
School of Physical Sciences
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Online Module Resources
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Level |
3
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Credit Rating |
7.5
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Pre-requisite |
None
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Co-requisite |
None
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Module Aims
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Module Aims:
7To allow students to learn how to analyse the data received from ground and space-based telescopes, such as the Very Large Telescope (VLT) and Hubble Space Telescope (HST).
7To develop advanced measurement skills and good laboratory practice by doing laboratories relevant to common astrophysical problems.
7To develop skills for making measurements with astronomical observations.
7To introduce students to the atmosphere and working practise of a modern observatory and to emphasise the importance of keeping an accurate diary of the field trip.
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Learning Outcomes
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Learning Outcomes:
7Introduction to UNIX computing system and brief introduction to computing standards in astronomy.
7Understanding the basic concepts and principles experimental techniques with examples including astronomical imaging and spectroscopy.
7Gaining hands-on experience with CCD imaging and observatories at wavelengths other than the optical.
7Ability to obtain and analyse data from remote sources such as VLT (Very Large Telescope) and HST (Hubble Space Telescope) for example.
7To gain an understanding and appreciation of the working practise of a modern observatory and to emphasise the importance of keeping an accurate diary of the field trip.
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Indicative Time Allowances
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Hours
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Lectures |
24
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Tutorials |
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Laboratories |
36
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Seminars |
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Independent Learning Time |
52.5
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Total |
112.5
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Placements |
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Assignments |
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NOTE
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Assume that a 7.5 credit module load represents approximately 112.5 hours' work, which includes all teaching, in-course assignments, laboratory work or other specialised training and an estimated private learning time associated with the module.
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Indicative Syllabus
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Indicative Syllabus:
¿Introduction to LINUX computing system and brief introduction to computing standards in astronomy.
¿Introduction to various instrumentation aspects, e.g. detectors, noise etc.
¿Concepts and principles of basic experimental techniques to include photography & astro-photography basics as examples.
¿Vibration and tracking error. Atmospheric conditions. Focal length, aperture, optical quality, resolution.
¿Analogue processing of video and still images. Digital image processing.
¿Telescopes and techniques.
¿Radio astronomy.
¿Astronomical CCD observing. Reduction techniques.
¿Solar observations.
¿Data mining and analysis of data received from remote systems, for example VLT (Very Large Telescope) and HST (Hubble Space Telescope).Students will visit an observatory for a ~5 day field trip and will be introduced to the various aspects of observatory work such as:
¿Telescope types
¿Data acquisition
¿Data archival
¿Data analysis
The field trip will be assessed on the basis of a learning diary kept for the duration of the trip. Emphasis will be placed primarily on the diary as a record of the various conditions encountered, problems which arose, methodologies used to deal with problems and engagement of the student with the work. The absolute achievements will not be considered as there may be significant variation in the experience of students within a year and from year to year, due to various factors such as observatory staff availability for interaction, weather conditions etc.
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| Assessment | | Continuous Assessment | 70% | Examination Weight | 30% |
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Indicative Reading List
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Indicative Reading List:
1. G.D. Roth: Compendium on Practical Astronomy, Springer-Verlag 1994, ISBN: 3-540-56273-7.
2. Peter L. Manly: The 20-cm Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope (A Practical Observing Guide), Cambridge University Press 1994, ISBN: 0-521-64441-0.
3. K. Rohlfs and T.L. Wilson: Tools of Radio Astronomy, Springer-Verlag 1999, ISBN: 3-540-66016-X.
4. Steve B. Howell: Handbook of CCD Astronomy, Cambridge University Press 2000, ISBN: 0-521-64834-3.
5. Robert C. Smyth: Observational Astrophysics, Cambridge University Press 1995, ISBN: 0-521-27834-1.
6. Christopher R. Kitchin: Astrophysical Techniques, Adam Hilger 1992 – 2/e, ISBN: 0-750-20137-6.
7. Gordon A.H. Walker: Astronomical Observations: an Optical Perspective, Cambridge University Press 1987, ISBN: 0-521-33907-3.
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Programme or List of Programmes
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| BSSA | Study Abroad (DCU Business School) |
| BSSAO | Study Abroad (DCU Business School) |
| ECSA | Study Abroad (Engineering & Computing) |
| ECSAO | Study Abroad (Engineering & Computing) |
| HMSA | Study Abroad (Humanities & Soc Science) |
| HMSAO | Study Abroad (Humanities & Soc Science) |
| PHA | BSc in Physics with Astronomy |
| SHSA | Study Abroad (Science & Health) |
| SHSAO | Study Abroad (Science & Health) |
| Archives: | |
