- Course Code
- PX 2011
- Credit Points
- 15
- Course Coordinator
- Dr C Wang and Dr M Baptista
Pre-requisites
None.
Overview
This course provides a broad introduction to the principles behind rocketry, satellite orbits and probes sent beyond the Earth's atmosphere, particularly how the law of gravity controls what can be done and what can't? The course will describe some great achievements in space exploration and discuss the main motivations for engaging in this area. It will look at the environment that satellites and probes operate in, which is largely controlled by the Sun. The course will examine how other parts of the electromagnetic spectrum of longer wavelengths than visible light are used for remote sensing and it will concentrate on some of the science behind communicating effectively with satellites and storing the results. The course aims to illustrate the principles, using real examples throughout. Students will be encouraged through class exercises to find out from the web about actual applications in fields of interest to them.
Structure
2 one-hour lectures per week and up to 10 hours of tutorials and computer sessions.
Assessment
1st Attempt: A final 2 hour multiple-choice worth (75%) plus continuous assessment worth (25%).
Resit: A final two-hour multiple-choice worth (75%). Continuous assessment worth (25%).
Formative Assessment
Tutorial sheets, computer labs.
Feedback
Oral feedback during tutorials.
Marking of essays and posters with associated comments.