Study information

Solar and Extra-Solar Planets and Their Atmospheres - 2024 entry

MODULE TITLESolar and Extra-Solar Planets and Their Atmospheres CREDIT VALUE15
MODULE CODEPHYM012 MODULE CONVENERProf Matthew Browning (Coordinator)
DURATION: TERM 1 2 3
DURATION: WEEKS 11
Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated) 47
DESCRIPTION - summary of the module content

This module will show how theory and observations underpin our rapidly developing knowledge of planetary objects both inside and outside solar system, an area of physics that has been developing rapidly since the first observation of an extra-solar planet in 1995 and a major research theme at Exeter.

Pre-requisite modules: PHY1021, PHY1022, PHY2023 and PHY3051 or equivalent modules.

AIMS - intentions of the module

Students will learn how to apply their knowledge of core physics in order to understand and interpret a wide range of phenomena associated with planetary objects both inside and outside the solar system.

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs) (see assessment section below for how ILOs will be assessed)
A student who has passed this module should be able to:
 
Module Specific Skills and Knowledge:
1. describe and explain a range of methods used to discover exoplanets;
2. derive physical structures from observation using simple physical models;
3. describe and explain theories of the origin and evolution of planetary systems;
4. find solutions to the 2-body problem and apply them to star-planet systems;
5. describe physical conditions necessary for the emergence of life, and current ideas about how life came into being;
 
Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge:
6. solve problems involving fluid mechanics and heat transfer;
 
Personal and Key Transferable / Employment Skills and Knowledge:
7. retrieve and evaluate information from research journals and the WWW;
8. communication skills via discussions in classes;
9. met deadlines for completion of work to be discussed in class and develop appropriate time-management strategies.
SYLLABUS PLAN - summary of the structure and academic content of the module
I. Formation and Evolution of Planets
  1. Constituents of planetary systems: rocks, gases, liquids
  2. Surface processes: cratering, volcanism, weathering
  3. Theories of planetary formation
II. The Solar System
  1. Earth and Moon, inner planets, outer planets
  2. Asteroids, comets, dwarf planets
III. Exoplanets
  1. Observational techniques: direct observation; radial velocity and astrometry; transits
  2. Physical and Statistical Properties
IV. Orbital Dynamics
  1. Orbits in two-body systems
  2. Multi-body interactions, resonances, and chaos
V. Planetary Atmospheres at Rest
  1. Hydrostatics
  2. Basic radiative transfer
  3. Thermodynamics of atmospheres
  4. Atmospheric constituents
VI. Planetary Atmospheres in Motion
  1. Principles of fluid dynamics
  2. Effects of rotation
  3. Instabilities, waves, and turbulence
VII. Life on Alien Worlds
  1. Definition of life
  2. Conditions required for emergence of life
  3. Effects of life on atmospheres and their observable properties
LEARNING AND TEACHING
LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS (given in hours of study time)
Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities 22 Guided Independent Study 128 Placement / Study Abroad 0
DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS
Category Hours of study time Description
Scheduled learning and teaching activities 20 20×1-hour lectures
Scheduled learning and teaching activities 2 2×1-hour problems/revision classes
Guided independent study 30 5×6-hour self-study packages
Guided independent study 16 4×4-hour problem sets
Guided independent study 82 Reading, private study and revision

 

ASSESSMENT
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT - for feedback and development purposes; does not count towards module grade
Form of Assessment Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Guided self-study 5×6-hour packages (fortnightly) 1-9 Discussion in class
4 × Problems sets 4 hours per set (fortnightly) 1-9
Solutions discussed in problems classes.

 

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)
Coursework 0 Written Exams 100 Practical Exams 0
DETAILS OF SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Form of Assessment % of Credit Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Final Examination 100 2 hours 30 minutes 1-7 Written, collective feedback via ELE and solutions

 

DETAILS OF RE-ASSESSMENT (where required by referral or deferral)
Original Form of Assessment Form of Re-assessment ILOs Re-assessed Time Scale for Re-assessment
Final Examination Written examination (100%) 1-7 Referral/deferral period

 

RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES
An original assessment that is based on both examination and coursework, tests, etc., is considered as a single element for the purpose of referral; i.e., the referred mark is based on the referred examination only, discounting all previous marks. In the event that the mark for a referred assessment is lower than that of the original assessment, the original higher mark will be retained.
 
Physics Modules with PHY Codes
Referred examinations will only be available in PHY3064, PHYM004 and those other modules for which the original assessment includes an examination component - this information is given in individual module descriptors.
RESOURCES
INDICATIVE LEARNING RESOURCES - The following list is offered as an indication of the type & level of
information that you are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Convener

Core text:

  • Lissauer J.J. and de Pater I. (2018), Fundamental Planetary Science, Cambridge University Press, ISBN 978-1-13-905046-3

Supplementary texts:

  • Armitage P. (2009), Astrophysics of Planet Formation, Cambridge University Press, ISBN 978-0-521-88745-8 (UL: 523.4 ARM)
  • De Pater I. and Lissauer J. (2010), Planetary Sciences (2nd edition), Cambridge University Press, ISBN 978-0-521-85371-2 (UL: 523.0074 DEP)
  • Haswell C.A. (2010), Transiting Exoplanets, Cambridge University Press, ISBN 978-0-521-13938-0 (UL: 523.24 HAS)
  • Pierrehumbert R. (2010), Principles of Planetary Climate, Cambridge University Press, ISBN 978-0-521-86556-2 (UL: 551.5 PIE)
  • Seager S. (2010), Exoplanet Atmospheres: Physical Processes, Princeton University Press, ISBN 978-1-40-083530-0 (UL: 523.24 SEA)
  • Vallis G.K. (2019), Essentials of Atmospheric and Oceanic Dynamics, Cambridge University Press, ISBN 978-1-10-769279-4 (UL: 551.5246 VAL)

Reading list for this module:

There are currently no reading list entries found for this module.

CREDIT VALUE 15 ECTS VALUE 7.5
PRE-REQUISITE MODULES PHY1021, PHY1022, PHY2023, PHY3051
CO-REQUISITE MODULES
NQF LEVEL (FHEQ) 7 AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING No
ORIGIN DATE Wednesday 13th March 2024 LAST REVISION DATE Tuesday 21st May 2024
KEY WORDS SEARCH Physics; Life; Planets; Observations; Atmospheres; Emergence; Exoplanets; Thermodynamics; Fluid dynamics.

Please note that all modules are subject to change, please get in touch if you have any questions about this module.