PHY2104 ASTROPHYSICS

This course is intended to give a general introduction to astrophysics/astronomy. It provides a broad current understanding of the universe, the solar system, planets, stars, galaxies and cosmology. Elementary physics related to Astronomical measurements is also covered. Physical concepts studied will include some properties of the electromagnetic spectrum, and Doppler shifts. The level of mathematics required is not high, rather a conceptual understanding will be tested
 
Course Objectives
By the end of the course, students should be able to:

• Explain the scientific methods used in astronomy/astrophysics 
• Relate stellar distances and dimensions with known parameters      
•  Explain the motion of planets and the phases of the moon     
• Explain the seasons of the year 

Expected Learning outcomes
By the end of the course, students should be able to

• Calculate the interplanetary, interstellar and intergalactic, distances
• Describe the formation and phases of the moon
• Describe the conditions for occurrence of eclipses
• Explain the geocentric (Earth-centred) and the heliocentric (Sun-centred) view of the universe
• Define a galaxy, describe the types of galaxies