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Module Specifications

Archived Version 2007 - 2008

Module Title The Universe
Module Code PS108
School School of Physical Sciences

Online Module Resources

Level 1 Credit Rating 5
Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Module Aims


Learning Outcomes


Indicative Time Allowances
Hours
Lectures 36
Tutorials 0
Laboratories 0
Seminars 0
Independent Learning Time 39

Total 75
Placements
Assignments
NOTE
Assume that a 5 credit module load represents approximately 75 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.

Indicative Syllabus
Gravitation and the motion of planets: Kepler and Newton Laws (4) The nature of light and matter. Wave nature of light, Blackbody Radiation, Atomic energy level diagrams, spectral lines, the Doppler Effect (5) Telescopes, optical and radio (4) The Solar System: Earth-moon, planets, asteroids, comets (4) Stellar structure:Magnitudes, luminosity Hertzprung-Russell Diagram,Distance scales (5) Stellar evolution: Birth of Stars, Main sequence,death of stars, neutron stars, black holes (5) Galaxies: Hubble classification,Hubble Law,galactic evolution,dark matter, quasers (5) Cosmology: Olbers Paradox, The Big Bang, Expansion of the Universe , The Microwave Background, Gravitiational Waves, the Fate of the Universe (4)
Assessment
Continuous Assessment30% Examination Weight70%
Indicative Reading List
Core Text: The Universe (Fifth Edition) by W.J. Kaufmann and R.A. Freedman (Freeman & Co. N.Y) Reference:
Programme or List of Programmes
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BSSAOStudy Abroad (DCU Business School)
ECSAStudy Abroad (Engineering & Computing)
ECSAOStudy Abroad (Engineering & Computing)
HMSAStudy Abroad (Humanities & Soc Science)
HMSAOStudy Abroad (Humanities & Soc Science)
PHABSc in Physics with Astronomy
SHSAStudy Abroad (Science & Health)
SHSAOStudy Abroad (Science & Health)
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