Space Physics and Astronomy module (PH12003)

Have you ever looked up at the night sky and wondered what’s really out there? In this module, you’ll go on a journey from the mechanics of planetary orbits to the life cycles of stars, black holes, and the expanding universe. 

You'll start by exploring how gravity shapes the paths of planets and moons, using laws developed by Newton and Kepler. Then you’ll dive into the world of stars, learning how astronomers use light to measure distances, temperatures, and even the movement of galaxies. You’ll uncover what powers stars from the inside, how they are born, live, and die, and how they sometimes end up as supernovae, neutron stars, or black holes. 

This module gives you an introduction to the structure of our galaxy and the wider universe. You'll also learn how scientists detect dark matter and study the big bang using light that has travelled across billions of years. If you've ever dreamed of working in space science or astrophysics, this is your launchpad. 

What you will learn 

In this module, you will: 

• study gravity, orbits, and escape velocity using real-world examples
• learn how stars are classified by colour, temperature, and brightness
• explore how stars are formed and what happens when they die
• discover how we measure cosmic distances and the scale of the universe
• understand the basics of galaxies, dark matter, and cosmology 

By the end of this module, you will be able to: 

• explain how gravity affects planetary motion and orbits
• classify stars and interpret Hertzsprung-Russell diagrams - one of the most important diagrams in astrophysics.
• use physics and maths to estimate astronomical distances
• describe the key features of galaxies and current cosmological models 

Assignments / assessment

• Coursework (40%)
• Final exam (60%) 

Teaching methods / timetable

• Lectures
  • taught face to face in classrooms, including problem solving and group activities
• Tutorials
  • focused sessions to apply concepts and get feedback on your understanding