PX1514: ASTRONOMY AND METEOROLOGY (2017-2018)

Last modified: 25 May 2018 11:16

Course Overview

Impossibly distant, sparkling jewels cast on the black velvet cloth of the sky, no sight inspires more awe than the beauty of the stars. This course explores the evolution of our understanding of astronomy from how the Universe at large works to the modern view of our solar system.

Science also intersects with our daily lives in the weather. We discuss the way elementary physics causes everything from everyday weather to colossal storm systems, and we explore some major science issues including climate change.

Historically descriptive, with introductory basic physical concepts, this is a suitable course for all undergraduate students.

Course Details

Study Type	Undergraduate	Level	1
Term	Second Term	Credit Points	15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits)
Campus	None.	Sustained Study	No
Co-ordinators	Dr Ross Macpherson Dr Murilo Baptista

Qualification Prerequisites

Either Programme Level 1 or Programme Level 2

What courses & programmes must have been taken before this course?

Any Undergraduate Programme (Studied)

What other courses must be taken with this course?

None.

What courses cannot be taken with this course?

KL157I Astronomy and Meteorology (Studied)
KL157P Astronomy and Meteorology (Studied)
PX1512 Meteorology and Astronomy (Studied)
PX1516 Astronomy and Meteorology (Distance) (Studied)

Are there a limited number of places available?

Course Description

A course of general interest providing an introduction to Astronomy and Meteorology. There will be an emphasis on the current knowledge of the solar system but the course will also look at astronomy on a larger scale. The meteorology component will discuss the atmosphere and how its dynamics are driven by the sun; special interest issues such as ozone depletion, climate change and El Nino will be highlighted.

Contact Teaching Time

Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.

Teaching Breakdown

More Information about Week Numbers

Details, including assessments, may be subject to change until 30 August 2024 for 1st term courses and 20 December 2024 for 2nd term courses.

Summative Assessments

1st Attempt: 1 two-hour multiple choice exam (75%), in-course assessment (25%).

Resit: 1 two-hour multiple choice exam (75%), in-course assessment (25%).

Formative Assessment

In course assessements will also function to assess student progress.

Feedback

Marked work will be returned to the students within, at most, two weeks of submission.

Course Learning Outcomes