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Presents a general introduction to the subject of astrophysics and in particular the areas of stellar physics, observational methods and cosmology.

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

A in Maths SQA Advanced Higher or equivalent. A in Physics SQA Advanced Higher or equivalent.

Students must normally be on a Faster Route programme in Physics with Astrophysics.

Exploring the Cosmos 1X (ASTRO1003), Exploring the Cosmos 1Y (ASTRO1004), Astronomy 1 (ASTRO1001)

Physics 2 (PHYS2001)

Degree exam - 75%; Tutorials - 10%; Labs - 15%.

To present a general introduction to the subject of astronomy in the context of the wider universe: namely stars & galaxies and cosmology;

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

To encourage students to organise their time and work effectively; 

To introduce students to aspects of observational techniques in astronomy.

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

(1) describe the electromagnetic spectrum, associated units and properties of the sky in different spectral regions;

(2) explain the use of telescopes including quantitative assessment of various properties and consideration of ancillary instrumentation;

(3) describe the main types of stars, the spectral classifications of stars and the Hertzsprung-Russell (HR) diagram;

(4) state the physical principles needed to build simple models of main sequence stars;

(5) state the relationship between stellar evolution and the HR diagram;

(6) describe the nature of gravitational collapse and be familiar with the properties of compact stars and black holes;

(7) list the observational evidence relating to these stellar states;

(8) describe the properties of the main types of galaxies;

(9) describe the large scale structure (clusters and superclusters) in the universe and their relative scales;

(10) explain the big bang model and its status in relation to cosmological observations.

The student should also: carry out 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 final degree exam paper.

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.