- Home
-
Study
Study
Interested in studying at Northumbria? With 31,500 students, Northumbria is one of the largest universities in the country, offering courses on either a full-time, part-time or distance learning basis.
Discover more-
Undergraduate
- Undergraduate Study
- Undergraduate Events
- Application Guides
- Exhibitions
- Foundation Years
- Undergraduate Fees & Funding
- School & College Outreach
-
Postgraduate
- Postgraduate Study
- Postgraduate Research Degrees
- Postgraduate Open Days and Events
- Postgraduate Fees & Funding
- Flexible Learning
- Thinking about a Masters?
- Continuing Professional Development
- Change Direction
-
Student Life
- The Hub - Student Blog
- Accommodation
- Life in Newcastle
- Support for Students
- Careers
- Information for Parents
- Students' Union
- Northumbria Sport
-
-
International
International
Students from all over the world choose Northumbria University for many reasons; our academic excellence, and that they will benefit from a fantastic student experience.
Discover more-
Applying to Northumbria
- European Union
- Our London Campus
- Our Amsterdam Campus
- Northumbria Pathway
- International Events
- Northumbria and your Country
- Entry Requirements
- Agent Information
-
Northumbria Language Centre
- Faculty Requirements
- Acceptable English Requirements
- Pre-Sessional English and Study Skills
- Academic Language Skills Programmes (ALS)
-
International & EU Fees, Funding & Scholarships
- EU/International Undergraduate Fees
- EU/International Undergraduate Funding
- EU/International Masters Fees
- EU/International Masters Funding
- EU/International Postgraduate Research Fees
- EU/International Postgraduate Research Funding
- International Money Matters
-
Life at Northumbria
- International student support
- The Hub - Student Blog
- Careers
-
Study Abroad Erasmus and Exchange
- Study Abroad, Exchange and Erasmus
- Incoming Students
- Europe (Erasmus +) - including staff mobility
-
-
Business
Business
The world is changing faster than ever before. The future is there to be won by organisations who find ways to turn today's possibilities into tomorrows competitive edge. In a connected world, collaboration can be the key to success.
Discover more -
Research
Research
Northumbria is a research-rich, business-focused, professional university with a global reputation for academic quality. We conduct ground-breaking research that is responsive to the science & technology, health & well being, economic and social and arts & cultural needs for the communities
Discover more -
About Us
About Us
Northumbria University is based in the heart of Newcastle upon Tyne, which is regularly voted the best place in the UK for students who are attracted by our excellent academic reputation, our top 10 graduate employment record and our outstanding campus and sports facilities.
Discover more-
About Northumbria
- Our Vision
- Our Staff
- Our Partners
- Student Profiles
- Alumni Profiles
- Leadership & Governance
- Academic Departments
- University Services
- History of Northumbria
- Contact us
- Online Shop
-
-
Alumni
Alumni
Northumbria University Alumni Association ensures our graduates stay in touch with news from the University and fellow alumni. With membership of over 222,000 graduates in 176 countries worldwide; it doesn’t matter where you are located or what you are doing, YOU are our global alumni family. It's free to join for graduates of Northumbria University and our constituent colleges.
Discover more - Work For Us
What will I learn on this module?
The aim of this module is to investigate the Sun, our nearest star, as the energy powerhouse of our solar system. You will consider fundamental solar processes, solar radiation and neutrinos, nuclear fusion reactions, the physics of the solar interior and solar atmosphere, the coronal heating problem, sunspots, solar flares and coronal mass ejections, solar wind and space weather, geomagnetic storms and auroras, solar dangers and the Sun-Earth connection.
You will construct and apply mathematical models of the Sun to describe fundamental solar processes and phenomena, including the use of magnetic fluid dynamics and magnetism made visible.
Outline Syllabus
The Sun as a star
Solar radiation, solar constants, spectroscopy of the Sun, the Sun’s place in the Milky Way and universe, nuclear fusion reactions, solar neutrino problem, solar energy transfer, the solar atmosphere, sunspots, solar flares and coronal mass ejections, solar wind and space weather, geomagnetic storms and auroras, solar dangers (including satellites), and the Sun-Earth connection.
The physics of the Sun
Review of magnetism and Maxwell’s equations, fluid description and magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) equations, magnetic induction, magnetic forces (Lorentz force), magnetism made visible, the vector potential, MHD waves (phase and group speeds), Alfvén waves, and mathematical models of the solar wind.
How will I learn on this module?
A wide range of learning and teaching approaches are used in this module. The module is delivered using a combination of lectures and seminars. Lectures are used to introduce essential theory and to work through example problems. Seminars will be used to analyse and discuss additional example problems. Problems will be set in advance of seminars, and these are of a similar nature to the examples provided in lectures. Lectures are used to allow you to develop knowledge of two main concepts of solar physics: the Sun as a star, and the physics of the Sun. You will be introduced to unanswered questions in solar physics, such as the coronal heating problem and the formation of sunspots. You will also learn about recently resolved issues, such as neutrino production inside the Sun’s core. Seminars support this process through worked examples and virtual demonstrations using multimedia resources. You will gain greater autonomy and independence through this module and are directed to seminal references which provide a basis for further student-led exploration of the state-of-the-art knowledge base. This process helps you to develop critical thinking skills for example forming judgements on the credibility and authority of a reference. It also provides valuable sector knowledge thereby increasing students’ employability.
Students will be assessed by coursework (30%) and a formal examination (70%). Coursework (an assignment/written report) will cover one chosen topic from the syllabus, for example the solar wind. The examination will cover all topics from the module.
Formative feedback will be provided on seminar work which will include problems designed to aid your understanding.
Written feedback will be provided on the coursework. Exam feedback will provided individually and also generically to indicate where the cohort has a strong or a weaker answer to examination questions.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
In addition to direct contact with the module team during lectures and seminars, you are encouraged to develop your curiosity by making direct contact with the module team either via email or the open door policy operated throughout the programme. You will also be regularly referred to supporting resources including relevant texts and multimedia relevant to the module. References to these resources will be made available through the e-learning portal and in lectures and seminars.
What will I be expected to read on this module?
All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)
What will I be expected to achieve?
Knowledge & Understanding:
1. Analyse and critically evaluate the fundamental solar properties and processes, such as magnetic-plasma interactions.
2. Evaluate the Sun’s effect on the Earth.
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
3. Construct and apply mathematical models of solar physical concepts, including models of the solar wind.
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
4. Manage their own learning, through knowledge of available reading sources, including advanced texts and research papers and scientific databases.
5. Effectively and concisely communicate solar physics-based ideas in written form.
How will I be assessed?
SUMMATIVE
1. Coursework (30%) – 1, 2, 3, 4
2. Examination (70%) – 1, 2, 3, 5
FORMATIVE
1. Seminars KU1, KU2, KU3
Students will be assessed by coursework (30%) and a formal examination (70%). Coursework (an assignment/written report) will cover one topic from the syllabus. The examination will cover all topics from the module.
Formative feedback will be provided on seminar work which will include problems designed to aid student understanding. Written feedback will be provided on the coursework.
Pre-requisite(s)
None
Co-requisite(s)
None
Module abstract
In ‘Solar Physics’ you will investigate the Sun, our nearest star, as the energy powerhouse of our solar system. You will consider the physical processes of the solar interior and atmosphere, as well as learning about solar observations such as sunspots, solar flares and coronal mass ejections. This you will do by constructing and applying mathematical models to describe fundamental solar observations and processes, which include the interaction between magnetic fields and plasma (hot charged gas).
You will be attending formal lectures during which you will become conversant with solar observations and theory. A written assignment during the course will cover one aspect about the Sun and will count 30% towards the final mark. The other 70% comes from a final written examination. ‘Solar Physics’ provides you with useful preparation for employment, for example in the increasingly important space sector, or as preparation for further study.
Course info
UCAS Code F3F5
Credits 20
Level of Study Undergraduate
Mode of Study 3 years full-time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad
Department Mathematics, Physics and Electrical Engineering
Location City Campus, Northumbria University
City Newcastle
Start September 2022 or September 2023
Our Campus based courses starting in 2022 and 2023 will be delivered on-campus with supporting online learning content. We continue to monitor government and local authority guidance in relation to Covid-19 and we are ready and able to adjust the delivery of our education accordingly to ensure the health and safety of our students and staff.
On-campus contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with any additional restrictions, which may be imposed by the Government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors. This could potentially mean increased or fully online delivery, should such restrictions on in-person contact time be required.
Current, Relevant and Inspiring
We continuously review and improve course content in consultation with our students and employers. To make sure we can inform you of any changes to your course register for updates on the course page.
Your Learning Experience find out about our distinctive approach at
www.northumbria.ac.uk/exp
Admissions Terms and Conditions - northumbria.ac.uk/terms
Fees and Funding - northumbria.ac.uk/fees
Admissions Policy - northumbria.ac.uk/adpolicy
Admissions Complaints Policy - northumbria.ac.uk/complaints