Postgraduate study

Postgraduate taught 

Physics Graduate Diploma GradDip

Instruments for Optical and Radio Astronomy ASTRO4010

  • Academic Session: 2026-27
  • School: School of Physics and Astronomy
  • Credits: 15
  • Level: Level 4 (SCQF level 10)
  • Typically Offered: Runs Throughout Semesters 1 + 2 (Alternate Years)
  • Available to Visiting Students: Yes
  • Collaborative Online International Learning: No
  • Curriculum For Life: No

Short Description

To provide students with an opportunity to develop knowledge and understanding of the key principles and applications of Optical & Radio Astronomy, and their relevance to current developments in physics, at a level appropriate for a professional astronomer.

Timetable

27 lectures delivered throughout Semesters 1 and 2

Excluded Courses

  None

Assessment

Examination

Main Assessment In: April/May

Are reassessment opportunities available for all summative assessments? Not applicable

It is the default expectation that all courses will offer opportunities for reassessment or deferred assessment. Where it is not possible to offer this in some assessment components, the grade achieved at the first attempt will be counted towards the final course grade, and any exceptions for this course are described below.

[No exceptions]

Course Aims

To provide students with an opportunity to develop knowledge and understanding of the key principles and applications of Instruments for Optical and Radio Astronomy, and their relevance to current developments in astronomy.

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

By the end of the course students will be able to demonstrate a knowledge and broad understanding of Instruments for Optical and Radio Astronomy. They should be able to describe and analyse quantitatively processes, relationships and techniques relevant to the topics included in the course outline, applying these ideas and techniques to solve general classes of problems which may include straightforward unseen elements. They should be able to write down and, where appropriate, either prove or explain the underlying basis of astrophysical laws relevant to the course topics, discussing their applications and appreciating their relation to the topics of other courses taken.

Minimum Requirement for Award of Credits

No exceptions