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PHYC40870

Academic Year 2024/2025

Space Detector Laboratory (10) (PHYC40870)

Subject:
Physics
College:
Science
School:
Physics
Level:
4 (Masters)
Credits:
10
Module Coordinator:
Dr Deirdre Coffey
Trimester:
Autumn
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

Space missions use a wide variety of detectors and sensors to answer questions in space science & astronomy. In this module, students will use detectors of various wavelengths to learn how they work and why they are used.

Practical laboratories will include hands-on experience in characterising and calibrating gamma-ray detectors in the lab, and simulating detector performance in the space environment. Students will use Python to build data analysis pipelines to assess the performance of detectors including scintillating crystals and cryogenically cooled germanium detectors.

Students will also work with a custom nanosatellite simulator, EduCube, to understand how experiments are integrated into a space mission.

This module is continuously assessed based on (individual and group) written assignments and lab work.

This module is a prerequisite for Space Mission Design (PHYC40880)

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this course, the student should be able to:
- describe the interactions of photons of various wavelengths with different detector materials
- differentiate between the requirements of detectors in different wavelength bands

The student should be able to:
- describe and explain the operation of gamma-ray detectors
- build data analysis pipelines to calibrate and characterise the performance of a gamma-ray detector
- assess the suitability of different gamma-ray detectors for space applications
- apply basic radar and signal processing principles to problems in synthetic aperture radar imaging

The student should also be able to:
- explain how and why nanosatellites are used in astronomy & space science
- describe and explain the purpose and basic operation of subsystems in scientific nanosatellites

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Specified Learning Activities

20
Autonomous Student Learning

80
Lectures

20
Laboratories

80
Total

200

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Students work in groups and individually to complete extended experimental tasks on nanosatellite systems and high-energy space detectors.

Assessments include literature reviews, computational data analysis, and scientific report writing. Students will produce both individual and group reports.

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 

Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Assignment(Including Essay): Coding exercises Week 5 Graded No

20

 No
Assignment(Including Essay): Lab report Week 10 Graded No

30

 No
Assignment(Including Essay): Video presentation Week 12 Graded No

30

 No
Assignment(Including Essay): in-class questions through Brightspace; short analysis report with code/results in GitHub Week 15 Graded No

20

 No

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Verbal and/or written feedback post assignment.

Name Role
Dr Deirdre Coffey Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Morgan Fraser Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Professor Lorraine Hanlon Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
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