PHY-30024 - Module Specification
School of Chemical and Physical Sciences
Faculty of Natural Sciences

Programme/Approved Electives for 2024/25

Available as a Free Standing Elective

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2024/25

Stars in binary systems are the only ones for which we can measure their physical properties to high precision and accuracy, so are fundamental to our understanding of stellar astrophysics. Most stars are born in binary or multiple star systems, and interactions between stars in binaries are responsible for some of the most spectacular phenomena in the Universe: novae, supernovae, stellar mergers and gravitational wave sources. This module will cover orbital motion in binary systems, its observable effects, how we use these to measure the properties of stars, the currently known population, the formation of binaries, and the many endpoints of binary-star evolution.
Although the first extrasolar planet was discovered only recently, thousands of these objects are currently known. They are widespread, show a remarkable diversity, and are of interest to the general public. Extrasolar planets are a special case of binary system and are studied using many of the same methods. This module will cover the detection of extrasolar planets, methods to measure their physical properties, the known populations of these objects, their formation and evolution, and the frequency of occurrence of the different types of planet throughout our galaxy and the Universe.

This module introduces students to the study of binary stars and extrasolar planetary systems. It aims to discuss and develop the methods used to study binary stars and extrasolar planetary systems both observationally and theoretically.

Intended Learning Outcomes

describe the defining characteristics of different types of binary star and planetary systems: 1,2
measure the physical properties of stars and planets in binary systems using information presented in numerical or graphical form: 1,2
describe the basic concepts around the formation and evolution of stellar and planetary systems: 2
use and derive equations that describe two-body orbital motion and the observable effects of orbital motion: 1,2

Study hours

Active Learning:
24 hours of lectures
12.5 hours of tutorials
2.5 hour unseen exam
Independent Study:
81 hours private study and examination revision/preparation
30 hours doing problem sheets

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment