Study-Unit Description

Study-Unit Description


CODE LAS1018

 
TITLE Reaching for the Stars: Astronomy and the Universe

 
UM LEVEL I - Introductory Level

 
MQF LEVEL 5

 
ECTS CREDITS 4

 
DEPARTMENT Centre for the Liberal Arts and Sciences

 
DESCRIPTION The Universe has awed and inspired countless generations but how well do we know what is there millions of light years away from the Earth, and how did it all begin? This Unit will consist of a non-technical approach to astronomy where the main concepts and discoveries will be investigated – from the constellations to the planets making up our Solar System, to the vast and remote galaxies where new stars are being born right now. Short movies and computer animations will be used to make the subject matter easier to understand, putting everything into perspective.

Students will learn about the history of astronomy and about scientists like Tycho, Kepler, Copernicus, Galileo, Newton and many others who paved the way to our modern understanding of the Universe. Practical sessions will help build up the necessary skills to be able to orient oneself by recognising the constellation patterns and important stars within them. The solar system will be studied starting from the Sun at its centre, the inner and outer planets as well as comets, asteroids and meteors as the debris left over from its formation.

Furthermore, this Unit shall then investigate what is there beyond the solar system, out in the depths of space - giant gas clouds, clusters of stars and other galaxies. These are only visible by means of telescopes as no spacecraft has ever visited such remote places. Manned missions and unmanned probes have vastly opened up our understanding and imagination of life in space – and whether there is life beyond Earth. This will be tackled in the final part of the Unit.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Knowledge & Understanding:

By the end of the Unit the student will be able to understand both observational and theoretical aspects of astronomy including most importantly obtaining an understanding of the Universe as a whole. Learners will study the fundamental principles of astronomy, which will allow them to access more in-depth concepts and develop their scientific thinking skills in the future.

The Unit will help students:
a) Understand and apply basic scientific concepts to problems in astronomy;
b) Understand the observational foundations of various astronomical discoveries.

2. Skills:

By the end of the Unit the student will be able to appreciate the role of astronomy as a link to a multitude of other sciences and/or scientific disciplines. Learners will develop an understanding of physical laws and how these are gradually allowing scientists to develop our understanding of the Universe.

The Unit will help students:
a) Apply scientific thinking to problems in astronomy and other areas;
b) Collect and interpret data;
c) Identify the components of the observational Universe.

Main Text/s and any supplementary readings:

- Astronomy: A Visual Guide, by Ian Ridpath (editor), Dorling Kindersley Publishers (2018) ISBN 13: 9781465473622.
- Universe (ed) by Martin Rees, Dorling Kindersley Publishers (2020). ISBN 13: 9780241412749.
- The Universe by Brian Cox, Andrew Cohen, Collins (2023). ISBN 13: 978-0008389352
- Bang!: The Complete History of the Universe, by Brian May, Patrick Moore, and Chris Lintott, Johns Hopkins University Press (2008). ISBN 13: 9780801889851.
- Observing our Solar System: A beginner’s guide by Tom Kerss, Collins (2022). ISBN 13: 9780008532611

 
STUDY-UNIT TYPE Lecture and Fieldwork

 
METHOD OF ASSESSMENT
Assessment Component/s Assessment Due Sept. Asst Session Weighting
Presentation SEM1 Yes 40%
Assignment SEM1 Yes 60%

 
LECTURER/S Alexei Pace

 

 
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Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice.
It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2023/4. It may be subject to change in subsequent years.

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