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Cosmic Horizons - PHY00044M

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  • Department: Physics
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: M
  • Academic year of delivery: 2023-24
    • See module specification for other years: 2024-25

Module summary

This module explores some of the topics at the forefront of astrophysics and of interest to the School of PET. It will cover topics such as astrophysical plasmas and hydrodynamics, radio astronomy as applied to black hole imaging, and using asteroseismology to detect pulsating stars. Each topic will feature both taught material and a computational lab to exhibit how data simulations and analysis can further our understanding of these areas of research. The course will also feature guest lectures on other exciting research into astrophysics, such as exoplanets, exotic particle searches and gamma ray bursts

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 2 2023-24

Module aims

This module explores some of the topics at the forefront of astrophysics and of interest to the School of PET. It will cover topics such as astrophysical plasmas and hydrodynamics, radio astronomy as applied to black hole imaging, and using asteroseismology to detect pulsating stars. Each topic will feature both taught material and a computational lab to exhibit how data simulations and analysis can further our understanding of these areas of research. The course will also feature guest lectures on other exciting research into astrophysics, such as exoplanets, exotic particle searches and gamma ray bursts.

Module learning outcomes

  • Synthesise information from contemporary research literature and computational work to critically evaluate our understanding of astrophysics.

  • Identify overlaps and gaps between theoretical and computational models and astrophysical observations

Module content

Examples of topics that the School has specialists in and that may be included in the module :

Astrophysical plasmas:

  • The evolution of supernova remnants (SNRs) and the impact these systems have on the interstellar medium.

  • Self-similarity solutions and modelling SNRs as Sedov-Taylor blast waves

Radio Astronomy:

  • Aperture synthesis techniques for radio imaging

  • Radio observations of extragalactic objects and black holes

Asteroseismology:

  • Fundamental Pulsation theory including driving and propagation mechanisms in stars across the Hertzsprung-Russell Diagram.

  • Observational techniques from ground and space-based telescopes and new research on pulsating stars.

Indicative assessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 50
Essay/coursework 50

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 50
Essay/coursework 50

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

High Energy Astrophysics, Longair

Asteroseismology

Authors: C. Aerts, J. Christensen-Dalsgaard, D. W. Kurtz


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University constantly explores 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. In some instances it may be appropriate for the University to notify and consult with affected students about module changes in accordance with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.