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PHY-20055 - Module Specification
School of Chemical and Physical Sciences
Faculty of Natural Sciences

For academic year: 2026/27 Last Updated: 17 March 2026

PHY-20055 - The Astrophysics of Stars and Galaxies
Coordinator: Jacco Van Loon Room: LJ2.07 Tel: +44 1782 7 33331
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 5
Credits: 30
Study Hours: 300
School Office: 01782 734921

Programme/Approved Electives for 2026/27

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites



Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2026/27

Stars are the principal source of energy and chemical elements necessary for life, and are found in large numbers inside gravitationally bound galaxies. You will explore how stars and galaxies form and evolve, and how they can be modelled with fundamental physics, mathematics and computation. Through practical and investigative work, you will develop a deeper grasp of how we can use observations and theory to improve our understanding of these phenomena and complex systems in general.

Aims
This module builds a solid foundation of knowledge of stars and galaxies. Using familiar physics and mathematical techniques, students will learn how to describe the structure and dynamics of complex systems (stars and galaxies) in a way that can be confronted with observation. This enables students to undertake study or research into more advanced topics of astrophysics.

Intended Learning Outcomes

understand how basic physical laws can be used to mathematically describe stars and galaxies: 1,2
perform calculations and derivations pertaining to the behaviour of stars and galaxies: 1,2
confront theoretical expectations with observational evidence: 1,2,3
perform astronomical observations, measurements and analysis: 3
present explanations and analysis in a professional and scientific manner: 3

Study hours

Active Learning:
- 72 hours of class room activities
- 24 hours of laboratory work
Independent Study:
- 48 hours work on exercises
- 50 hours work on producing laboratory presentation
- 101 hours self-study
- 2 exams of each 2.5 hour duration

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Exam weighted 60%
Exam
The topics of the module will be tested in separate exams, one at the end of each semester. The duration of each exam is 150 min

2: Problem Sheets weighted 20%
Problem solving worksheets and activities
Students are set exercises and tasks for them to complete at specific times during the academic year, pertaining to the material covered until that point. These will be a mixture of traditional problem sheet questions and in-class activities. Equivalent to about 2000 words.

3: Group Assessment weighted 20%
Laboratory group work
Laboratory work comprising observations, measurements and analysis will be assessed through group presentations. Group size is typically four students. Each student will contribute to the presentation by their group in a meaningful way. Each presentation typically lasts ten minutes.

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: 17 March 2026