Key facts
Details for course being taught in current academic year
Level 1 - 12 credits - autumn term
E-learning links
Resources
Course description
Course outline
Astronomy, the study of space and its contents beyond the earth, is both the oldest science, and one in which new discoveries are being made on a daily basis. It is used to explain such familiar phenomena as the tides, eclipses and meteor showers, as well as much more exotic objects such as black holes and quasars. The observable Universe provides a laboratory for testing physical theories at energies that are unachievable on the Earth. This course will provide nonscience students with a broad, non-mathematical understanding of astronomy from the Solar System via other stars and galaxies, to the Universe as a whole. Students will have the opportunity to write a popular (New Scientist style) article on an astronomical topic of their choice.
Learning outcomes
1. Briefly describe our current state of knowledge about the Universe and our place within it.
2. Differentiate between science and pseudo-science: demonstrate an understanding of the difference between astronomy and astrology.
3. Rank astronomical objects and phenomena by distance, age and energy scale.
4. Interpret basic observational phenomena using simple physical models.
5. Read, summarize and critique popular articles on astronomy.
Library
21st Century Astronomy, Hester et al. (2002, Norton).
Assessments
| Type | Timing | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | 100.00% | |
| Essay | Autumn Week 10 | 60.00% |
| Multiple Choice Test | Autumn Week 10 (30 minutes) | 20.00% |
| Presentation | Autumn Week 10 | 20.00% |
Resit mode of assessment
| Type | Timing | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Essay (2000 words) | Summer Vacation Week 10 Thu 16:00 | 100.00% |
Timing
Submission deadlines may vary for different types of assignment/groups of students.
Weighting
Coursework components (if listed) total 100% of the overall coursework weighting value.
Teaching methods
| Term | Method | Duration | Week pattern |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autumn Term | LECTURE | 1 hour | 2222222222 |
| Autumn Term | SEMINAR | 1 hour | 1111111111 |
How to read the week pattern
The numbers indicate the weeks of the term and how many events take place each week.
Contact details
Dr John Gribbin
Assess convenor
http://www.sussex.ac.uk/physics/profile23460.html
Dr Jonathan Loveday
Assess convenor
http://www.sussex.ac.uk/physics/profile114680.html