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Tools of Modern Astronomy
Postgraduate | SWI-AST80018 | 2019
Course information for 2019 intake
Get on the same wavelength as electromagnetic radiation and find the light. Observe the principles and techniques of observational astronomy. Put a lens on observation using telescopes and other devices—work with Celestial co-ordinates and time systems.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Entry requirements
- Part of a degree
- Duration
- -
FEE-HELP available
Tools of Modern Astronomy
About this subject
Students who successfully complete this subject will be able to:
- Identify the nature of light and recognise that different wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation require different types of telescopes and detectors
- Differentiate the basic principles of telescope design and compare their use
- Explain and summarise the principles and techniques of observational astronomy across the electromagnetic spectrum
- Use problem solving skills to explain and synthesise solutions to problems in multiwavelength astronomy
- Design and create, in a team, a telescope application time proposal, by applying communication skills and assessing relevant astronomical information
- Apply technical research skills to justify and interpret observational and theoretical propositions, methodologies and professional decisions to specialist and non- specialist audiences
- Celestial co-ordinates and time systems
- Gamma rays to radio waves; thermal and non- thermal sources.
- The electromagnetic spectrum; atmospheric windows
- Photometry, filters, colour magnitudes and colour indices
- Photomultipliers, CCD imaging
- Optical spectroscopy, prism and grating spectroscopy; the detection of extrasolar planets
- The eye as an optical instrument, lens systems, refracting and reflecting telescopes.
- Principles of telescope mount and housing design, control systems.
- Optical seeing, active and adaptive optics, laser guide stars, astronomical site selection, light pollution issues
- Infrared astronomy: detectors, South Pole infrared astronomy and space missions
- Principles of radio and microwave receivers
- Radio interferometry, arrays and aperture synthesis, VLBI.
- High-energy astronomy: design of UV, X-ray and gamma-ray telescopes and detectors
- Neutrino astronomy, gravity wave detectors
This subject aims to provide a good understanding of electromagnetic radiation, focusing on both its emission mechanisms and its subsequent detection, with an emphasis on telescopes and their observations. The electromagnetic spectrum from gamma rays to radio waves will be covered
- Computer Managed Tests (20%)
- Newsgroups (30%)
- Group Time Assignment Submission (25%)
- Individual Time Assignment Submission (25%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
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Entry requirements
To enrol in this subject, you must be admitted into a degree.
Prior study
You must have successfully completed the following subject(s) before starting this subject:
one of
- SWI-AST80004-Exploring Stars and the Milky Way
SWI-HET603 (Not currently available)
Equivalent subjects
You should not enrol in this subject if you have successfully completed any of the following subject(s) because they are considered academically equivalent:
SWI-HET606 (Not currently available)
Additional requirements
No additional requirements
Study load
- 0.125 EFTSL
- This is in the range of 10 to 12 hours of study each week.
Equivalent full time study load (EFTSL) is one way to calculate your study load. One (1.0) EFTSL is equivalent to a full-time study load for one year.
Find out more information on Commonwealth Loans to understand what this means to your eligibility for financial support.