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PHY205Sciences2 Unitsintermediate

Introduction To Space Physics

This course introduces the principles and concepts of Space Physics. It covers astronomy, astrophysics, and the workings of astronomers. Students will gain a clear understanding of planetary motion and Kepler's laws. The course also explores satellite communication, atmospheric science, space environment, rocket engineering, and cosmology. Furthermore, it exposes students to international law and treaties on space exploration and development, preparing them for scientific advancement in related fields.

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156h
Study Time
13
Weeks
12h
Per Week
intermediate
Math Level
Course Keywords
AstronomySatellite CommunicationAtmospheric ScienceRocket EngineeringCosmology

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level
Builds on foundational knowledge
65%
intermediate
📊
Math Level
Moderate Math
📖
Learning Type
Theoretical Focus

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Astronomy

2

Satellite Communication

3

Atmospheric Science

4

Rocket Engineering

5

Cosmology

6

Space Law

Total Topics6 topics

Ready to Start

No specific requirements needed

This course is designed to be accessible to all students. You can start immediately without any prior knowledge or specific preparation.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (3 methods)

assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

tutor-marked assessments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

final examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Computer Based Test

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Aerospace Engineer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Satellite Communication Engineer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Space Scientist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Cosmologist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Space Law Consultant

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

AerospaceTelecommunicationsResearchGovernmentDefense

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1: Introduction to Astronomy and Satellite Communication

6h

Unit 1: Introduction to Astronomy

6 study hours
  • •Understand the meaning of Astronomy and Astrophysics.
  • •Explain the History and Origin of Astronomy.
  • •Describe how Astronomers work.
  • •Explain the various Coordinate systems used by astronomers.
Week
2

Module 1: Introduction to Astronomy and Satellite Communication

6h

Unit 2: The Solar System

6 study hours
  • •Explain the composition of the Solar System.
  • •Differentiate between comets and Asteroids.
  • •State and explain Kepler's laws of planetary motion.
  • •Derive the Newton's form of Kepler's 3rd law.
Week
3

Module 1: Introduction to Astronomy and Satellite Communication

7h

Unit 3: Satellite System

7 study hours
  • •Explain the Fundamentals of Satellite Systems.
  • •List the basic characteristics of satellites.
  • •Define the term Transponder.
  • •Discuss the principle of Spacecraft and Repeater.
  • •Explain the various types of Spacecraft Antennas.
Week
4

Module 1: Introduction to Astronomy and Satellite Communication

7h

Unit 4: Satellite Networks

7 study hours
  • •Understand the various satellites orbit configurations.
  • •Explain the architecture of satellite networks.
  • •List and explain the 3 generic forms of satellite connectivity.
  • •Define the term Connectivity.
Week
5

Module 1: Introduction to Astronomy and Satellite Communication

7h

Unit 5: Satellite communications

7 study hours
  • •List the advantages of Satellite Communication.
  • •List the characteristics of microwave link.
  • •Understand the concept of Digital Transmission, Compression and Routing.
  • •Explain the principle of Cable Television.
  • •Discuss the three main aspects of the mobile sector.
Week
6

Module 2: Atmospheric Science & the space Environment

6h

Unit 1: Introduction to Atmospheric science

6 study hours
  • •Define Atmospheric science.
  • •List the various subdivisions of Atmospheric science.
  • •Understand the basics of Meteorology and forecasting.
  • •Differentiate between Weather and Climate.
  • •Understand the chemical composition of Air.
Week
7

Module 2: Atmospheric Science & the space Environment

6h

Unit 2: Structure of the Atmosphere

6 study hours
  • •List and explain the atmospheric layers.
  • •Define Hadley cell, Ferrell cell and polar cell.
  • •Define Atmospheric pressure.
  • •Explain Fronts and their relation to Baroclinic Waves
Week
8

Module 2: Atmospheric Science & the space Environment

6h

Unit 3: Thermodynamics

6 study hours
  • •State the Gas laws.
  • •Derive the ideal gas equation.
  • •Differentiate between the Ideal gas equation of State for a specific gas using mass (m) & Specific Gas Constant R from the Ideal gas equation for any ideal gas using moles & the Universal Gas Constant R*.
  • •Define Geopotential.
  • •State the laws of thermodynamics.
Week
9

Module 2: Atmospheric Science & the space Environment

6h

Unit 4: Atmospheric Dynamics

6 study hours
  • •Know how Clouds are formed.
  • •Classify clouds based on atmospheric layers.
  • •Differentiate between Thunderstorms and Clouds.
  • •Explain the formation of Thunderstorm.
  • •Explain Atmospheric Kinematics of Fluid Flow.
Week
10

Module 2: Atmospheric Science & the space Environment

6h

Unit 5: The Space Environment

6 study hours
  • •Explain where space begins and describe our place in the universe.
  • •List the major hazards of the space environment and describe their effects on spacecraft.
  • •List and describe the major hazards of the space environment that pose a problem for humans living and working in space.
Week
11

Module 3: Rocket Engineering, Space Exploration & Space Law

5h

Unit 1: Rocket Engineering

5 study hours
  • •Define a Rocket.
  • •Explain the Principles of Rocket propulsion.
  • •State the Newton's third law of motion and derive the Rocket equation.
  • •Explain the Tsiolkovsky's rocket equation.
  • •Explain the principles of the thermal Rocket.
Week
12

Module 3: Rocket Engineering, Space Exploration & Space Law

10h

Unit 2: The Rotation of the earth

5 study hours
  • •Explain the earth's rotation.
  • •Explain how a spacecraft gets into space.
  • •Define Parking Orbit.
  • •Calculate the path of the spacecraft in terms of the total angular momentum.

Unit 3: introduction to Cosmology

5 study hours
  • •Explain the Fundamental observations of modern cosmology.
  • •List and explain the Evolution of Cosmological theories.
  • •Explain when the universe is isotropic and homogeneous.
Week
13

Module 3: Rocket Engineering, Space Exploration & Space Law

10h

Unit 4: Modern Cosmology

5 study hours
  • •Explain the Big-Bang Theory.
  • •Explain the Steady-State.
  • •Understand the Future of the Universe.

Unit 5: Space Law

5 study hours
  • •Explain the following Space Treaties: Rescue Agreement, Moon Agreement, Registration Convention, Liability Convention, The Limited Test Ban Treaty, Outer Space Treaty (OST).

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

Read the complete course material as provided by NOUN.

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Review all units, focusing on key definitions and concepts.

2

Practice solving numerical problems related to rocket propulsion and orbital mechanics.

3

Create diagrams and charts to visualize atmospheric layers and space environments.

4

Study international space law treaties and their implications.

5

Attend tutorial sessions and clarify doubts with the facilitator.

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