University of St Andrews

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 20

ECTS credits : 10

Level : SCQF level 7

Semester: 2

Availability restrictions: Available only to those on the Physics and Astronomy (Gateway) Programme and the Physics and Astronomy International Gateway Programme

Planned timetable: 10:00 - 12:00, other activities to be arranged

This module develops academic and transferable skills in problem solving in physics, in mathematical modelling of physical systems, in numerical/computational work applied to physics, and in study skills. It is a core module for the level one programme Physics and Astronomy (Gateway).

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisite(s): Students must have gained entry to Physics and Astronomy (Gateway) or International Gateway programmes.

Co-requisite(s): You must also take PH1012

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact: 2 lectures, 3 x 1.25-hour workshops, 1 x 3-hour lab, 1 x 2-hour supported study session

Scheduled learning hours: 132

Guided independent study hours: 68

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews: Coursework = 100%

As defined by QAA
Written examinations : 0%
Practical examinations : 0%
Coursework: 100%

Re-assessment: 60% new assignments, 40% marks for the assignments that make up the first assessment specification of the module.

Personnel

Module coordinator: Dr L J Jakeman

Additional information from school

PH1503 - Gateway - Physics Skills 1B

Aims & Objectives

The second Gateway skills module is designed to build upon the PH1502 module. Students will develop their understanding of the core material covered in PH1012 as well as continuing to practise and enhance their basic mathematical skills and lab skills developed in semester 1. Students will undertake a short astronomy course to allow students to be eligible for AS2001.  This is brought about by a series of workshops, supported self-study sessions as well as group exercises covering topics designed to run alongside material developed in PH1012 and MT1002.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this module, students should

• have developed their fundamental subject knowledge and be able to express scientific ideas to their peers;
• be able to work independently and as part of a group;
• have experienced and demonstrated different methods of studying;
• have enhanced their communication skills by applying their subject knowledge to a particular topic and presenting their finding to their peers at an appropriate level.
• have gained an understanding of the structure and evolution of stars and galaxies as well as the origin and fate of the universe. In addition, students should be able to calculate astrophysical properties of stars using basic physical models and simplified data.

Synopsis

Problem solving: problem solving strategies, peer instruction tutorials and regular problem solving workshops relevant for the material covered in PH1012. Practical laboratory work to develop basic lab skills. Independent research into a chosen area of physics.

Study skills and Communication: The production of revision summaries, regular reflection on own learning and supported study sessions. The creation and presentation of a poster on a chosen area of physics.

Astronomy short course:  stars and elementary astrophysics - including stellar brightness, magnitudes, distance, colours, Hertzsprung-Russell diagram, stellar spectra and classification, stellar evolution;  structure of the Milky Way - structure of the Milky Way, populations, rotation curve; the universe - types of galaxies, expansion of the universe, birth, evolution and fate of the universe.

Recommended Books

Please view University online record:

http://resourcelists.st-andrews.ac.uk/modules/ph1503.html

General Information

Please also read the additional information in the School's handbook for 1st and 2nd level modules that is available via https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/physics-astronomy/students/ug/timetables-handbooks/.