| Unit name | General Relativity and Cosmology |
|---|---|
| Unit code | PHYSM0051 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | M/7 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24) |
| Unit director | Dr. Young |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
N/A |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
N/A |
| School/department | School of Physics |
| Faculty | Faculty of Science |
Why is this unit important?
General Relativity is regarded as one of the most successful theories in modern physics, from its formulation and its application in many and varied settings, through to its ability to seize the imagination of the wider public with its apparently counter-intuitive results. Knowledge of general relativity is essential to understanding a wide range of physical phenomena, from the microscopic world of particle physics, up to the macroscopic interactions of stars and galaxies.
How does this unit fit into your programme of study?
General Relativity will draw on your experience of physics to construct complex models to explain physical observations, using the skills in physics and mathematical manipulation you have built up over there years. It is a capstone unit, allowing you to bring together your skills to explore this fascinating – and challenging – subject in modern physics.
An overview of content
This unit gives an introduction to the General Theory of Relativity and, via differential geometry, derives the equations governing the behaviour of matter and radiation in the Universe. Cosmological models based on Einstein's field equations will be described and their observable consequences discussed. Recent developments in dark matter and dark energy are discussed. Black holes and gravitational radiation are also described and key results are derived.
Specifically, you will learn to:
How will students, personally, be different as a result of the unit?
Optional units allow you to shape your personal spectrum of knowledge within Physics and to explore the areas you find most interesting. This unit will give you the opportunity to apply your core physics knowledge to areas of physics which are more current and start to explore topics closer to the frontiers of our understanding. Through your study of general relativity you will recognise the integration of your skills as a practicing physicst.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this unit, you should be able to:
In addition to assessment on the Intended Learning Outcomes, you will also be introduced to case studies giving you the ability to recognise the role that sustainable practice has in disciplines of physics.
The unit is organised through our on-line learning environment (OLE). This is where you will find information about the unit, lecture notes, any pre-recorded videos, recordings of lectures and live sessions, access to online quizzes and other learning resources.
As a masters’ level course, you will be introduced to current advancements in the research of the area through guided structured reading activities.
The unit will consist of around 30 hours of content delivery with 10 hours of support. Outwith this time there is an expectation of personal study in line with the University statement on student workloads.
Some sessions may require preparation beforehand (reading a journal article, textbook chapter, watching a video etc.); where these materials are provided, you should aim to spend around one hour of preparation time for one hour of face-to-face teaching. This will allow you to make the most of class discussions and activities.
Problem classes will be conducted in a range of group sizes and all will have emphasis on problem-based learning, where you will be able to discuss the problems with others in your group.
We will make use of online quiz tools to allow you to practice problems and get rapid feedback on your solutions. You will build understanding attempting problems, gaining feedback on previous attempts and being able to use this feedback to attempt the problem again. These formative exercises will not contribute towards your grade for the unit.
Tasks which help you learn and prepare you for summative tasks (formative):
You will have a range of tasks which do not count for assessment, but will help to further your understanding of physics. There will be regular problems classes to help you gain rapid feedback on your understanding and to ask questions of the facilitator. This will help you quantify your own understanding and help others recognise their own understanding, and to gain verbal feedback on your problem-solving skills.
Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative):
You will complete assessed coursework for the unit in the form of a mid-term take-home essay as well as an examination in the Winter assessment period Assessment breakdown:
When assessment does not go to plan:
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit. The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. For appropriate assessments, if you have self-certificated your absence, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (for assessments at the end of TB1 and TB2 this is usually in the next re-assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any exceptional circumstances and operates within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. PHYSM0051).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the University Workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The assessment methods listed in this unit specification are designed to enable students to demonstrate the named learning outcomes (LOs). Where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, schools will make reasonable adjustments to support a student to demonstrate the LO by an alternative method or with additional resources.
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. For appropriate assessments, if you have self-certificated your absence, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (for assessments at the end of TB1 and TB2 this is usually in the next re-assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any exceptional circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
