Astrophysics

Explore the potential for life in the universe and the most recent scientific discoveries within this area.

Course Overview

Students journey through the Universe where they explore the phenomenon of black holes, quasars, dark matter and dark energy. We discuss how stars, the solar system and other objects are formed and link this to the likelihood of life existing on these objects.

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Learning Outcomes

Explore the potential for life in the universe and unlock some of the mysteries of the universe in this exciting Astrophysics course. 

Students will be taken on a journey through the Universe, starting with some of the incredible objects within our very own solar system, to the mysterious phenomenon of black holes, quasars, dark matter and dark energy. We discuss how stars, the solar system and other incredible objects are formed and consider the likelihood of life existing on these objects.

We will discuss the massive distances and times scales which astrophysicists have to take into consideration when attempting to unravel the mysteries of the universe and explore some of the latest findings in this field.

Upon completion, students will have developed a rich understanding of the physics and science underpinning our understanding of the Universe.

 

Throughout this course students will: 

  • Show an understanding of how stars form and make links between a star’s properties and the chance for life to exist around the star;
  • Explore various objects within our solar system, including learning about orbits, satellites, physical composition and various missions that have visited them.
  • Look at how solar systems and galaxies are ‘born’
  • Discuss theories on the shape and death of the Universe.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of an exoplanet and various techniques used to ‘see’ into deep space

Assessment

For successful completion of this unit students will be required to submit the following tasks:

Homework

Students will be required to complete on average 1 hour of homework per week.

Assessment 

For successful completion of this unit students will be required to submit the following tasks:

  • Stellar Evolution Mini-Research Task
  • Exoplanet Poster
  • Major assignment – TBC

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