Course Catalogue

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Presents a general introduction to the subject of astronomy and in particular the areas of solar system physics, positional astronomy and dynamical astronomy.

Lectures daily at 10am. Laboratories certain Mondays or Thursdays at 1.30pm-4.30pm.

Pass in Maths SQA Higher or equivalent. Pass in Physics SQA Standard Grade or equivalent. (Pass in Physics SQA Higher or equivalent is advised).

  Exploring the Cosmos 1X

Degree exam (1 paper) - 55%; Tutorials - 10%; Labs - 15%; Class test - 20%

1. To present a general introduction to the subject of astronomy and in particular the areas of solar system physics, positional astronomy and dynamical astronomy;

1. To introduce students to some practical aspects of astronomy through laboratory work;

1. To encourage students to organise their time and work effectively

By the end of this course students will be able to:

(1) describe the structure of the sun, the planets, the satellites and other minor bodies and the structure and origin of the solar system;

(2) state the fundamental physical laws of blackbody radiation, gravitation, the gas laws and radioactivity;

(3) apply the above laws to describe and explain the properties of the bodies in the solar system and the evolution and formation of the solar system;

(4) state the fundamental formulae of spherical trigonometry and be able to apply them to planetary motion and terrestrial navigation;

(5) describe the various co-ordinate systems and how to transfer between them;

(6) solve problems concerning apparent motion of stars in the night sky;

(7) state the basic concepts of Newtonian gravitation and associated phenomena;

(8) use these concepts quantitatively in various situations such as deriving surface gravity and escape velocities and determining properties of planetary orbits;

The student should also: carry out three practical investigations in elementary astronomy, taking and analysing data and reporting on their findings in written form.

Submission of 50% of the assignment questions;

Attendance at 50% of the laboratory sessions and submission of the associated work for marking;

Attendance at class test;

Attendance at final degree exam.