Astronomy C: An Introduction to Astronomy (U00539)

? Credit Points : 20 ? SCQF Level : 8 ? Acronym : PHY-1-AstC

General introduction to astronomy for non-specialists, especially those without a mathematical background. The course covers the whole range of astronomical phenomena and their interpretation. The main topics are: Changing Concepts of the Cosmos, The Planets, The Universe of Stars, Galaxies, Cosmic Evolution. This course is normally taken with Astronomy B (PHY-1-AstB).

Entry Requirements

? This course is not accepting further student enrolments.

? Pre-requisites : Students are expected to be able to perform simple arithmetic and to understand basic geometry and simple algebra.

? Prohibited combinations : Astronomy A: The Physics of Stars (PHY-1-AstA)

Subject Areas

Home subject area

Undergraduate (School of Physics), (School of Physics, Schedule Q)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : 1st year

? Delivery Period : Semester 1 (Blocks 1-2)

? Contact Teaching Time : 3 hour(s) per week for 10 weeks

First Class Information

Date	Start	End	Room	Area	Additional Information
23/09/2005	14:00	14:50	Lecture Theatre 3, Appleton Tower	Central	Lectures on Mondays at 1400 & 1600, Fridays at 1400 + 4 tutorials

All of the following classes

Type	Day	Start	End	Area
Lecture	Monday	14:00	14:50	Central
Lecture	Monday	16:10	17:00	Central
Lecture	Friday	14:00	14:50	Central

? Additional Class Information : In addition to lectures, students are expected to attend four one-hour tutorial/practical sessions M 1500 or F 1500, as arranged.

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the course, students should:
1)have an overview of all of astronomy;
2)know how to explain the observed planetary phenomena in the Solar system;
3)know how astronomical telecopes and detectors work;
4)have an up to date picture of the planets and their satellites;
5)understand the structure of main sequence stars and how and why they evolve;
6)know the basic facts about galaxy stellar populations, dynamics and cosmic distribution;
7)understand in outline the history of the Universe as described by big bang theory.