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Advanced Mechanics, Astrophysical Laboratories & Skills - PHY00051I

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  • Department: Physics
  • Module co-ordinator: Prof. Erik Wagenaars
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: I
  • Academic year of delivery: 2024-25

Module summary

Advanced Mechanics:

Classical mechanics describes the universe on a scale ranging from the motion of galaxies to the trajectories of atoms. In the advanced mechanics part of this module, we introduce the Lagranigian approach to classical mechanics, which allows a system’s equations of motion to be determined entirely from its kinetic and potential energies via ‘the principle of least action’ – arguably the most fundamental law of physics.

Astrophysical Laboratories:

The Astrophysical Laboratories component of this module is aimed at building on the skills learned in the Stage 2, Semester 1 Laboratory modules to complete the development of the core astrophysical experimental competencies required of an astrophysicist. In addition, the experiments will support topics in the Stage 2 lectures, which will help to reinforce ideas presented in these modules.

A series of physics and astrophysics experiments and laboratory skills activities will be performed throughout the semester. One of the experiments will be written up as a formal report to show scientific communication skills.

Professional Skills:

The Professional Skills component of the module is aimed at building on previous translational and employability skills learned in Stages 1 and 2, to continue the development of career preparedness and enhancing recruitability.

Related modules

Pre-requisites: Mathematics, Professional Skills & Experimental Laboratories 1 or equivalent and Mathematical, Computational & Professional Skills 2 or equivalent

Co-requisites: Prohibited Combinations: Advanced Mechanics, Theoretical Laboratories & Skill, Advanced Mechanics, Physics Laboratories & Skills

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 2 2024-25

Module aims

Advanced Mechanics:

The aim of the advanced mechanics part of this module is to provide an introduction to more advanced approaches to classical mechanics. Via the Lagrangian approach, we consider the dynamics of rigid bodies, building on material covered in Stage 1, and we derive Kepler’s laws. We will study Hamilton’s principle and link the concepts introduced to the Hamiltonian (central to quantum mechanics).

Astrophysical Laboratories:

This module builds on the knowledge gained in the Stage 1 and Stage 2 (Semester 1) lectures and the skills learned in the Stage 2 Semester 1 laboratory. This module aims to further increase the level of sophistication in the astrophysical experiments, approach to data analysis, and laboratory report writing. There is emphasis on the use of and critical evaluation of modern (computer-based) instrumentation, in particular in astrophysics. Typical experiments will take 2 full days to complete and a series of such experiments will be undertaken throughout the semester. This is complemented with laboratory skills sessions, for instance formal report writing.

Professional Skills:

The aim of the Professional Skills part of this module is to continue the development of career preparedness and enhance recruitability skills. Emphasis will be placed on group-based work, understanding recruitment processes, and developing interview skills and techniques. The python programming skills learned in Stage 1 and in the first semester of Stage 2 will be used to solve and model physical systems linked to content in the Stage 2 core modules.

Module learning outcomes

Advanced Mechanics:

  • Derive Lagrange’s equations via the principle of least action (Hamilton’s principle) and use them to describe a range of physical systems

  • Understand how conservation laws are derived and used within Lagrangian mechanics, such as the conservation of total energy via the Hamiltonian.

Atsrophysical Laboratories:

  • Be able to independently plan and execute physics and astrophysics experiments over an extended time, using a range of experimental techniques and appropriate data analysis and processing methods.

  • Be able to identify and assess experimental errors and to critically analyse and discuss experimental results to an advanced standard.

  • Be able to communicate and present experimental results to a professional standard.

Professional Skills:

  • Understand the steps involved in a recruitment process, and know how to prepare for and conduct effective interviews.

  • Absorb, organise and synthesise information from different fields and use critical skills to provide coherent answers to open-ended and general questions.

  • Construct coherent arguments and discussions of broad questions supported by fact, theory and speculation.

  • Select and adapt communication styles to convey information and ideas in an appropriate way.

  • Create and implement plans to achieve key career objectives.

  • Write and develop mathematical algorithms in python to model and solve physical problems linked to Stage 2 modules.

Module content

Advanced Mechanics:

  • The Lagrangian is defined and used to derive Lagrange’s equations for any coordinate system via the principle of least action (Hamilton’s Principle)

  • A general approach to determining conserved physical quantities is studied (Noether’s theorem)

  • The Lagrangian approach to classical mechanics is applied to a range of physical scenarios utilising conserved quantities to find a description of the system’s dynamics.

Astrophysical Laboratories:

  • Lab scripts for each experiment will be provided.

  • Guidance for notebook keeping and formal report writing will be provided.

Professional Skills:

Career preparedness, recruitability, interview skills and techniques, recruitment processes and team activities. Programming in python, making use of python libraries and packages.

Assessment

Task Length % of module mark
Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled)
Advanced Mechanics, Astrophysical Laboratories & Skills		 1 hours 20
Essay/coursework
Advanced Mechanics Practice Questions		 N/A 5
Essay/coursework
Formal Report		 N/A 20
Essay/coursework
Laboratory Notebook		 N/A 30
Essay/coursework
Professional Skills Assignments		 N/A 15
Essay/coursework
Python Programming Assignment		 N/A 10

Special assessment rules

Non-reassessable & Non-compensatable

Reassessment

Task Length % of module mark
Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled)
Advanced Mechanics, Astrophysical Laboratories & Skills		 1 hours 20
Essay/coursework
Laboratory Experiment		 N/A 50
Essay/coursework
Professional Skills Assignments		 N/A 15
Essay/coursework
Python Programming Assignment		 N/A 10

Module feedback

'Feedback’ at a university level can be understood as any part of the learning process which is designed to guide your progress through your degree programme. We aim to help you reflect on your own learning and help you feel more clear about your progress through clarifying what is expected of you in both formative and summative assessments.

A comprehensive guide to feedback and to forms of feedback is available in the Guide to Assessment Standards, Marking and Feedback. This can be found at:

https://www.york.ac.uk/students/studying/assessment-and-examination/guide-to-assessment/

The School of Physics, Engineering & Technology aims to provide some form of feedback on all formative and summative assessments that are carried out during the degree programme. In general, feedback on any written work/assignments undertaken will be sufficient so as to indicate the nature of the changes needed in order to improve the work. Students are provided with their examination results within 25 working days of the end of any given examination period. The School will also endeavour to return all coursework feedback within 25 working days of the submission deadline. The School would normally expect to adhere to the times given, however, it is possible that exceptional circumstances may delay feedback. The School will endeavour to keep such delays to a minimum. Please note that any marks released are subject to ratification by the Board of Examiners and Senate. Meetings at the start/end of each semester provide you with an opportunity to discuss and reflect with your supervisor on your overall performance to date.

Our policy on how you receive feedback for formative and summative purposes is contained in our Physics at York Taught Student Handbook.

Indicative reading

Advanced Mechanics

  1. Classical Mechanics: The Theoretical Minimum Book by George Hrabovsky and Leonard Susskind

  2. Foundations of mechanics Book by Ralph Abraham

  3. Mechanics Book by Lev Landau

Astrophysical Laboratories:

Lab scripts - available on the VLE

Professional Skills:

John M. Lannon & Laura J. Gurak: Technical Communication, Global Edition. 15th Ed 2021 (Pearson)


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.