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Experimental Laboratory for Astrophysics II - PHY00010I

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  • Department: Physics
  • Module co-ordinator: Prof. Erik Wagenaars
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: I
  • Academic year of delivery: 2022-23
    • See module specification for other years: 2021-22

Related modules

Pre-requisite modules

  • None

Co-requisite modules

  • None

Prohibited combinations


Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Autumn Term 2022-23 to Summer Term 2022-23

Module aims

The second year experimental laboratory seeks to build on the knowledge and experience gained in the first year. The laboratory is organised on a zoned (thematic) basis, which comprises two physics zones (40% of the module) and 2 1.5 physics zones (40% of the module) and 1.5 astrophysics zones (40% of the module), with special emphasis on the use and critical evaluation of modern (computer-based) instrumentation. This module also includes a LabView interfacing zone (20% of the module) and an Electronics zone (20% of the module). which are important in many areas of experimental physics and astrophysics. The laboratory is a balance of experiments designed to support formal lecture teaching and new topics.

Module learning outcomes

Demonstrate good experimental practice including appropriate awareness of safety

Demonstrate quality of record keeping.

Be able to plan and execute experiments over an extended time

Be able to demonstrate critical assessment of your measurements and results

Be able to identify and assess errors

Critically discuss your experimental results

Have developed further skills in a range of experimental techniques and in the operation of equipment and appropriate data analysis and processing software beyond that in the 1st year laboratory.

Be able to communicate and present your experimental work in the format of a leading scientific journal.

Demonstrate the ability to use LabVIEW software for interfacing equipment to a computer.

Interpret Limb darkening

Understand how to correct and study astronomical images

Understand the optics used in modern telescopes

parameterise and characterise a telescope that the students build

Module content

Students taking this module should have also taken either PHY00012C, PHY00013C or PHY00014C,

Assessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Lab Notebook		 N/A 56
Essay/coursework
Report 1 (Term 1)		 N/A 22
Essay/coursework
Report 2 (Term 2)		 N/A 22

Special assessment rules

Non-compensatable

Reassessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Re-assessment: Lab Notebook		 N/A 50
Essay/coursework
Re-assessment: Report		 N/A 50

Module feedback

Our policy on how you receive feedback for formative and summative purposes is contained in our Department Handbook.

Indicative reading

Laboratory Scripts- Lab Scripts will be provided.


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University is constantly exploring ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary by the University. Where appropriate, the University will notify and consult with affected students in advance about any changes that are required in line with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.