Module manager: Prof Mark Thompson
Email: M.A.Thompson@Leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
| PHAS1000 | First Year Physics Assessment |
| PHAS2100 | Experimental Physics and Extended Investigation |
PHYS2150 PHYS2015 PHYS2002
This module is not approved as a discovery module
This module concerns evolution of stars, high energy phenomena that result from the evolution of stars and galaxies, and practical skills in observational astronomy and physics. Students will learn about the structure and evolution of single stars, before going on to the evolution of binary stars and the extreme conditions resulting from their end points. The practical skills will involve using the School’s optical telescopes, analysing astronomical data and gaining further experimental skills in physics.
During this module, students will learn about the physical processes that govern the structure and evolution of stars. These include nuclear fusion, radiative transfer, convective energy transport, degenerate matter, and stellar mass loss mechanisms. Students will also be introduced to the radiative processes relevant to emission regions with temperatures in excess of one million degrees and/or containing non-thermal particles. Such radiative processes operate in supernovae explosions, pulsars and accretion discs and jets in evolved binary systems and around super-massive black holes at the centres of galaxies.
Students will also develop the practical skills to plan, execute, reduce and analyse astronomical observations.
In addition, students will further develop their experimental skills including analysis of uncertainty and data visualisation techniques.
On successful completion of the module students be able to demonstrate knowledge, understanding and application of:
1. The physical principles and equations governing the structure of stars;
2. The physical changes that take place as stars evolve;
3. The end points in the lives of stars of different initial masses;
4. The spectra associated with different high energy emission mechanisms;
5. The primary process by which non-thermal particles are accelerated and the role of accretion in high-energy sources;
6. The emission from binary systems;
7. The processes occurring in Active Galactic Nuclei;
8. Planning, execution and critical analysis of the results of laboratory experiments in astrophysics and physics,
9. Demonstrating good experimental practice and time management
10. Systematic and reliable recording of procedures and data.
11. Evaluation of the level of uncertainty in results.
12. Use of appropriate computer-based data visualisation to present results, in a style consistent with published scientific papers in the field.
13. Working within a group as appropriate to experimental astrophysics.
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
a. Problem solving
b. Application of appropriate mathematics
c. Expertise at using laboratory equipment and any appropriate analysis tools.
d. Understanding of errors, including their source and their combination in critically analysing statistical significance of final results.
e. Manage time and plan work to meet deadlines.
f. The ability to build positive relationships and work within a group as appropriate to experimental physics.
g. The ability to present work in a variety of formats (e.g. reports, talks, posters), using appropriate methods for Physics with illustrations, figures and references, communicating complex scientific concepts succinctly and coherently, and answer related questions in appropriate situations.
1. Stellar structure
2. Stellar evolution of high- and low-mass stars
3. Spectra of high-energy emission mechanisms
4. Emission from binary systems
5. Active galactic nuclei
6. Uncertainty, both statistical and systematic, and how to interpret these.
7. Simple covariance analysis and correlated errors.
Methods of assessment
The assessment details for this module will be provided at the start of the academic year
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 60 | 1 | 60 |
| Practical | 12 | 6 | 72 |
| Independent online learning hours | 24 | ||
| Private study hours | 244 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 132 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 400 | ||
The reading list is available from the Library website
Last updated: 30/04/2025
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team