Discovering Astronomy G: Galaxies and Cosmology (U03375)

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

For non-specialists, aimed at non-scientists.
Reviews the evolving picture of our astronomical environment, and the methods by which it is established; examines our Milky Way Galaxy and its neighbours in space;
Explores some of the extraordinary events and phenomena that take place in the life of a galaxy; shows how the pattern of galaxies in space and time leads to a complete but very strange cosmology.
Can be taken on its own, or supplemented (in the following year) by the companion course "Discovering Astronomy S: Stars and Planets" to give a fuller picture.

Entry Requirements

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

? Prohibited combinations : Astronomy 1G: Galactic and Cosmological Physics (PHY-1-Ast1G) Astronomy B Astronomy C

Subject Areas

Home subject area

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

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : 1st year

? Delivery Period : Not being delivered

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

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 five one-hour tutorial/practical sessions M 1500 or F 1500, as arranged.

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the course the student should:
1) understand the stellar context of the astronomy of the Universe
2) be able to apply, in simple cases, the theoretical tools used by astronomers to determine the size and physical nature of astronomical objects
3) know the properties and history of our Milky Way Galaxy, and our place within it
4) Understand the origin and evolution of the major types of galaxies
5) Understand in outline the properties of massive black holes and the relativistic jets associated with them
6) Understand, at an appropriate level, current cosmology