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AS4025   Observational Astrophysics

Academic year(s): 2018-2019

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 15

ECTS credits : 7

Level : SCQF level 10

Semester: 1

Availability restrictions: Not automatically available to General Degree students

Planned timetable: 2.00 pm - 5.30 pm Mon and Thu, plus some nights. (TBC)

This is an observational and laboratory-based module that introduces students to the hands-on practical aspects of planning observing programmes, conducting the observations and reducing and analysing the data. Students use the James Gregory Telescope for CCD imaging and structural analysis of galaxies, and for CCD photometry of transiting exoplanet candidates. Further sources of data may be made available from international observatories. Observations are also secured at the University Observatory using a student-built radio telescope to observe low-frequency radio emission from the Galactic plane. Students gain experience in observation, data analysis, the UNIX operating system, standard astronomical software packages and modelling, and report writing.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisite(s): Before taking this module you must ( pass AS2001 or pass AS2101 ) and pass PH2011 and pass PH2012 and ( pass MT2001 or pass 2 modules from {MT2501, MT2503} )

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact: 2 x 3.5-hour laboratories plus supervised work in the observatory.

Scheduled learning hours: 78

Guided independent study hours: 72

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews: Coursework = 100%

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

Re-assessment: No Re-assessment available - laboratory based

Personnel

Module teaching staff: TBC

Additional information from school

Please see also the information in the School's Handbook for Honours modules available via st-andrews.ac.uk/physics/staff_students/timetables.php. This link also gives access to timetables for the modules.