AS1002
The Physical Universe
2019-2020
20
10
SCQF level 7
2
Academic year(s): 2019-2020
SCOTCAT credits : 20
ECTS credits : 10
Level : SCQF level 7
Semester: 2
Planned timetable:
This module presents a descriptive, largely non-mathematical account of the physical universe. It is aimed at students from across the University. It is divided into two components: concepts in astronomy, dealing with our understandings of the properties and ages of planets, stars, galaxies, and their distributions in space, cosmology and the origin of the Universe; and concepts in physics, dealing with our understandings of the nature of light and matter, the structure of atoms, fundamental particles and their links to cosmology.
Anti-requisite(s): You cannot take this module if you take AS1001 or take AS1101 or take AS2001 or take AS2101 or take PH1011 or take PH1012 or take PH2011 or take PH2012
Weekly contact: Typically 4 lecture slots, with 4 slots during the semester given to a tutorial/seminar.
Scheduled learning hours: 44
Guided independent study hours: 156
As used by St Andrews: 2-hour Written Examination = 50%, Coursework (2 x Class Tests) = 50%
As defined by QAA
Written examinations : 100%
Practical examinations : 0%
Coursework: 0%
Re-assessment: 2-hour Written Examination = 100%
Module coordinator: Dr M Dominik
Module teaching staff: Dr M Dominik, Dr V Wild
To present a largely non-mathematical account of fundamental concepts in physics and astronomy.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course students should be able to:
Synopsis
Concepts in Astronomy (20 lectures)
The development of astronomy - the day and night sky, seasons, time and the calendar. The Copernican revolution. An inventory of the Solar System (planets, moons, comets, meteors, aurorae). The stars as distant sources of light. The development of astrophysics - the properties of stars; stellar evolution and ages - red giants, white dwarfs, supernovae and black holes. The formation of stars, and planetary systems; modern searches for extra-solar planets. An inventory of the Milky Way Galaxy - stars, gas and dust clouds; the size and age of the Galaxy. Other galaxies, their distances and distributions in space - clusters and voids. Peculiar galaxies and quasars. Nonluminous matter. Cosmology - Olber's paradox. The redshifts of galaxies and Hubble's Law. The origin and evolution of the Universe, the formation of galaxies - big bang cosmology and problems. The formation and evolution of the chemical elements.
Concepts in Physics (20 lectures)
Introduction to the scientific method, the development of science ideas, and the way in which physics can be used to build useful predictive models of the physical world.
The development of mechanics from the views of Aristotle to the relativistic theories of Einstein. Theory of gravitation. Momentum, work, energy, and power. Conservation laws and thermodynamics.
Electricity and magnetism. Charges and currents. Conductivity, resistance, and voltage. Electric motors, dynamos, and transformers. Superconductivity.
The nature and properties of matter. The atom, nucleus, and chemical elements.
The nature and properties of light. Electromagnetic waves. Refraction and lenses. Interference and diffraction. Particle-wave duality. Aspects of quantum theory, and its role in light emission and absorption and the laser.
Nuclear Physics. X-rays and radioactivity. Nuclear decay, fission and fusion processes, and their role in stars, and in peaceful and non-peaceful uses.
Particle physics. The “Standard Model” of quarks, leptons, gauge bosons, and Higgs particle(s). The physics of the tiny and the cosmos.
Recommended Books
Please view University online record:
http://resourcelists.st-andrews.ac.uk/modules/as1002.html
General Information
Please also read the additional information in the School's handbook for first and second level modules that is available via st-andrews.ac.uk/physics/staff_students/timetables.php.