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PHYC40730

Academic Year 2026/2027

Applications of Space Science (PHYC40730)

Subject:
Physics
College:
Science
School:
Physics
Level:
4 (Masters)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Dr Antonio Martin Carrillo
Trimester:
Autumn
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

This module presents an overview of applications of space science and technology, including: astronomy, cosmology and planetary science; Earth observation and satellite navigation.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this course, the student should be able to:
- identify current open scientific questions in the fields of astronomy, cosmology and Earth science;
- relate these scientific drivers to the necessary space technology;
- describe the operation of satellite navigation systems, such as GPS and Galileo.

The United Nations identified seventeen Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as core to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and UCD contributes in general to SDG 4 Quality Education. Further SDGs explored within this module if relevant are listed below. A scale of 1 - 5 indicates the extent to which the SDG is covered.


 

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

24

Seminar (or Webinar)

1

Specified Learning Activities

26

Autonomous Student Learning

75

Total

126


Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
The module consists of lectures, case-based learning and assignments

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
Quizzes/Short Exercises: In-class assignment focused on the applications of space science for astronomical purposes. Week 3 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No
25
No
Assignment(Including Essay): In-class assignment on the applications of space science for Solar System science. Week 6 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No
25
No
Assignment(Including Essay): In-class test on the Earth Observation section of the module Week 9 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No
30
No
Assignment(Including Essay): Assignment on Satellite Navigations Week 12 Standard conversion grade scale 40% 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?

The students will be able to consult the results of their assignments before the exam.

Name Role
Dr Barry Cardiff Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Professor Lorraine Hanlon Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Assoc Professor Nam Tran Lecturer / Co-Lecturer

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - Autumn: All Weeks Fri 10:00 - 10:50
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12 Mon 12:00 - 12:50