Astronomy and Astro Physics | University of Stavanger

Facts

Course code

FYS220

Version

Credits (ECTS)

Semester tution start

Autumn

Number of semesters

Exam semester

Autumn

Language of instruction

English, Norwegian

Offered by

Faculty of Science and Technology,

Department of Mathematics and Physics

Time table

View course schedule

Content

We first describe the Sky seen from Earth and the history of Astronomy. The necessary physics background is briefly introduced (gravity, Kepler motion, light, atomic spectra, thermodynamics and concepts from statistical physics). Observational methods are introduced.

We then consider the structure, birth, evolution and death of stars. A number of astronomical objects and phenomena are presented, including binary stars, Black Holes, white dwarfs, red giants. A number of methods for determining distances are introduced.

Galaxies, galaxy clusters and the structure of the Universe on cosmological scales is described, and an overview is given of the history of the Universe.

Finally, we focus on the Solar System and its creation, planets, moons, gas, dust and the possibility og Life on other planets.

Note that the exam is given in the language of instruction.

Learning outcome

After completing this course, it is expected that:

K1: The student has good knowledge of the constituents, structure and history of the Universe.

K2: The student has knowledge of astronomical research methods, observations, instruments and analysis.

F1: The student can reflect on and describe central physical processes in the Universe, on the basis of basic physical laws (typically gravitation, electromagnetism and atomic physics). Examples include planetary motion, the thermodynamics of stars, the emission and absorption of light and other radiation.

F2: The student can perform simple calculations concerning astronomical topics.

G1: The student has a general understanding of the place of planet Earth and humankind in the Universe.

G2: The student is able to acquire, structure and present scientific material orally and in writing.

Required prerequisite knowledge

None

Recommended prerequisites

FYS100 Mechanics, MAT100 Mathematical Methods 1

Minimum prerequisites are Studiespecialisering and R1 + R2 (or similar) from high school. It is an advantage to have taken FYS100 Mechanics and MAT100 Mathematical methods 1.

Exam

Form of assessment	Weight	Duration	Marks	Aid
Written exam	1/1	4 Hours	Letter grades	Valid calculator 1)

1) The calculator must be simple (non-programmable). See which calculators are approved under "Permitted aids during an exam" on our website.

Exam is with pen and paper

Coursework requirements

Presentation

Student presentations of parts of the syllabus. Each student presents one topic (typically corresponding to a chapter in the textbook). The presentation lasts 45 mins including questions and comments from the audience. Must be approved by the lecturer for the student to gain access to the final exam.

Course teacher(s)

Course coordinator:

Anders Tranberg

Head of Department:

Bjørn Henrik Auestad

Method of work

The course has 6 hours of teaching each week. Lectures, student presentations, problem solving sessions.

There will also be opportunities to observe some of the astronomical objects treated in the course. This will take place in the evening and attendance is optional. When these sessions will take place will depend on the weather.

Teaching language: Scandinavian or English.

Overlapping courses

Course	Reduction (SP)
Astronomy (FYS110_1)	10

Open for

Admission to Single Courses at the Faculty of Science and Technology

Advanced teacher education for levels 8-13 Mathematics and Physics - Master of Science Degree Programme Mathematics and Physics - Five Year Integrated Master's Degree Programme

Course assessment

There must be an early dialogue between the course supervisor, the student union representative and the students. The purpose is feedback from the students for changes and adjustments in the course for the current semester.In addition, a digital subject evaluation must be carried out at least every three years. Its purpose is to gather the students experiences with the course.

Literature

The syllabus can be found in Leganto

Astronomy and Astro Physics (FYS220)