School of Chemical and Physical Sciences brochures Physics Astrophysics brochure 2019 | Page 18

18 | PHYSICS AND ASTROPHYSICS
Combined Honours Astrophysics Second Year
In your second year you continue with the study of core Physics and
Astrophysics. Each week there are four 1-hour lectures, 1-hour lecture
in Mathematics for Physics, plus one 3-hour laboratory class and one
3-hour problem class, all led by members of the academic staff.
Labs in the first semester support lectures in Optics; in the second
semester you learn the basics of astronomical data reduction and
analysis with computer software used by professional astronomers.
The Year 2 modules are:
Semester 1
Semester
Optics and Thermodynamics considers the wave nature of radiation and the laws
governing the transfer of heat and entropy in macroscopic systems. You will study
polarisation and birefringence, interference and diffraction (including Fourier methods and
analysis), basic optical systems (including the Michelson-Morley interferometer), heat
capacities, work, internal and free energies, changes of state and entropy. 2 hours lecture
Quantum Mechanics gives an introduction to the fundamental methods of quantum
physics, the Schrödinger equation and its applications including the structure of the
hydrogen atom, emission and absorption spectra, electron spin, angular momentum,
magnetic moments, and aspects of multi-electron atoms. 2 hours lecture
per week
Physics Laboratory 3 hours per week
Mathematics for Physics 1 hour lecture
per week
Problem Classes supporting Physics/Astrophysics modules 3 hours per week
Statistical Mechanics and Solid State Physics develops key statistical topics in
Physics such as bosons, fermions, phonon and photon gases and blackbody radiation,
and explores how these relate to thermodynamics and the structure of solids. 2 hours lecture
per week
1 & 2
Semester 2
per week
Stellar Astrophysics builds on material from the first year but also looks at nuclear
2 hours lecture
per week
reactions in stars and the production of the chemical elements; nuclear models and the
strong force; and elementary particles, such as quarks, and the use of Feynman diagrams
to describe their interactions.
Astrophysics Laboratory
3 hours per week
Astrophysics external examiner, 2017
The quality of the teaching and learning
on the Astrophysics course is very high.
Feedback to the students was clear and
comprehensive, addressing areas of strength
and possible areas for improvement.
”
keele.ac.uk/physics