PHY-10023: Electricity and Stellar Structure

To help students to understand the basic properties and applications of the electric field, magnetic field, stellar structure and the mathematics required to achieve this understanding. To develop the transferable, practical and computational skills that are required by the practising astrophysicist.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Students will understand the theoretical and experimental background of electricity and stellar structure, and will appreciate their general physical significance and applications, will be achieved by assessments.

Students be able to carry out numerical calculations and to solve problems in connection with these topics, will be achieved by assessments.

Use of mathematics (including calculus) in solving problems, will be achieved by assessments.

Perform practical work and keep accurate accounts of it, including professionally maintained records of purpose, methodology, and results. Communicate the process and results of practical work in formal, written presentations. Enter, manipulate, and present data with the aid of computer tools. Develop algorithms and write simple computer program, at a level sufficient to assist in laboratory work at Levels 2 and 3, will be achieved by assessments.

Study hours

Lectures: 24 hours
Problem Classes: 8 hours
Problem Sheets: 18 hours
Examination: 2 hours
Maths Support Classes: 5 hours
Maths Problem Classes: 4 hours
Maths Class Test/Unseen Examination: 1 hour
Laboratory Sessions: 12 hours
Computing Classes: 6 hours
Completion of Laboratory Reports: 12 hours
Directed Reading/Independent Study: 58 hours

Description of Module Assessment

001: 2 Hour Unseen Exam weighted 40% (min pass mark of 40)

Two hour unseen written examination
Exam paper has three sections: Section A - 10 short questions with total marks 40/100; Section B - choice of 1 out of 2 long questions worth 30/100 marks; Section C - choice of 1 out of 2 long questions worth 30/100 marks.

002: Class Test weighted 20% (min pass mark of 40)

One hour unseen Mathematics examination

003: Laboratory Assessment weighted 20% (min pass mark of 40)

Laboratory and Computing Sessions
Continuous assessment of a laboratory diary of the completed experiments during Laboratory Sessions (weight 30%). Assessment of a formal laboratory report (weight 60%). Assessment of a computer programming exercises (weight 10%).

004: Problem Sheets weighted 10%

Problem Sheets
Three assessed problem sheets.

005: Tutorial weighted 10%

Problem Classes
Tutor-moderated classes in which students complete assigned problems on Maths, Electricity and Stellar Structure, with assistance given as necessary. Assessment is based on weekly attendance and engagement.

Version: (1.06B) Updated: 02/Oct/2013

This document is the definitive current source of information about this module and supersedes any other information.