Module overview
Astrophysics and Cosmology provide the most fascinating and far reaching endeavours of human intellect. As the title suggest this intensive module is to provide a sound introduction to the main concepts and body of evidence that underlie our current understanding of the origin, structure and evolution of the Universe.
The module in its scope, aims to offer exposure to the fundamental principles of special and general relativity and their significance to the evolution of the Cosmos. Topics such as stellar interiors, classification and evolution along with galaxy dynamics will be discussed in some detail. The module will culminate with descriptions of current cosmological models and touch up on recent developments of the much discussed dark matter and dark energy mysteries and what they entail to the evolution of the Universe.
Learning outcomes
Upon successful completion of this module, students will:
acquire working knowledge of the law of gravitation in order to be able to draw conclusions about stellar structure and simple cosmological models.
appreciate the fact that concepts such as space and time are not absolute but relative and matter and energy are equivalent forms to each other. Become comfortable in using these concepts to a reasonable extent.
appreciate that the constituents of matter were created at the cores of stars.
develop an understanding of the scale of the Universe from very small to very large.
become philosophically enquiring.
