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PHY-10040 - Module Specification
School of Chemical and Physical Sciences
Faculty of Natural Sciences

For academic year: 2025/26 Last Updated: 04 December 2025

PHY-10040 - Astronomy and Measuring the Universe
Coordinator: Joana Maria Oliveira Room: LJ1.48 Tel: +44 1782 7 33493
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 4
Credits: 30
Study Hours: 300
School Office: 01782 734921

Programme/Approved Electives for 2025/26

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2025/26

Humanity is compelled to understand the Universe. You will learn about the principles of scientific and ethical enterprise in general and Astronomy in particular. You will be introduced to planets, stars and galaxies and their place in the Universe. You will explore how we measure their properties, from the distances to celestial bodies to the masses and temperatures of stars and planets, and even the mass of our Milky Way galaxy. You will learn about the tools and techniques that Astronomers use to investigate the Universe and make your own measurements at our on-campus observatory.

Aims
This module aims to provide an introduction to Astronomy. It begins by setting the principles of the scientific method and research good practice e.g. scientific argumentation and presentation, critical thinking and reflection, and research ethics. You will then learn about different techniques that allow astronomers to measure and characterise the Universe. Such techniques include those used in measuring the distance, temperature and brightness of stars, the masses of stars and planets, galaxy classification and basic history of the Universe. In the practical sessions you will learn how to do astronomical observations, and communicate science with a variety of audiences.

Intended Learning Outcomes

describe the Universe on a variety of scales from stars to groups of galaxies: 1,3
apply standard astronomical techniques to characterise the observable Universe
: 1,3
carry out numerical calculations and solve problems in the context of Astronomy: 1,3
perform practical work in astronomical observation, and keep and present accurate accounts of it: 2
communicate the process and results of practical work to a variety of audiences: 2
critically evaluate basic arguments and results presented by themselves and by others, in order to assess their accuracy and reliability: 2

Study hours

Active learning hours:
24h lab sessions
72h lectures and tutorials
Independent study hours:
2.5h exam
36h completion of problem sheets
50h lab-related activities
115.5h revision and private study

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Exam weighted 50%
Written unseen examination
A 2.5-hour exam worth 100 marks consisting of short questions with no degree of choice.

2: Portfolio weighted 30%
Reflective portfolio of practical activities
Continuous assessment of the practical work carried out, including a critical reflection on the different types of activities. Equivalent to approximately 3000 words with a single formal submission date at the end of semester 2.

3: Problem Sheets weighted 20%
Problem-solving work sheets and activities
Assessed sheets meant to test different astrophysical skills in the module and including in-class exercises; equivalent to ~2000 words

The University undertakes a continuous review of its teaching and research provision to ensure programmes are of a high quality and changes may be made to modules where it is necessary and reasonable to do so. Please be aware that minor changes to modules, such as a change to an individual assessment, can occur up until enrolment, although we endeavour to give you as much notice as possible of any changes. Details about the circumstance in which changes are made to programmes can be found in the Student Agreement, available at: https://www.keele.ac.uk/legalgovernancecompliance/governance/actcharterstatutesordinancesandregulations/studenttermsconditions/

Last Updated: 04 December 2025