GEK1520 / PC1322 Understanding the Universe

Black Hole :P

Module Description
This module presents an introduction to the universe, the scientific methods for observing the universe, and evolution of ideas of the universe. The topics covered are planets, stars, galaxies and cosmology. This module is targeted at all interested students with a willingness to be exposed to new ideas.

Lecture Topics
- Naked-eye Objects
- Telescopes
- Solar System
- Milky Way Galaxy
- The Universe

Tutorial Topics
- Naked-eye Observations
- Telescopes
- Radiation & Spectroscopy
- Stellar Properties
- Relativity, Black Holes & Cosmology

Good module to take if you are open-minded enough and interested in knowing more about the lecture topics. If you are not, steer clear of this module because some may find the contents hard to memorise.

Workload
Two two-hours lecture
Lectures were taught by Dr. Cindy Ng. Her methods of delivery are clear and concise. I could tell she is very passionate about this topic and not many can claim that his/her hobby is star-gazing.

Odd or even week one-hour tutorial
My tutorials were taught by Mr. Jeremy Chong. I think the tutor changes every semester, so it is irrelevant. Tutorials are very easy, requiring very basic mathematics. Arts students should not be afraid to take this module :)

Textbook is not compulsory. I don't think you need it as well because the lecture notes are really sufficient.

Lectures were not webcasted.

Assessment (AY12/13 Sem 1)
15% tutorials
5% Observatory Tutorial
2 Term Tests, each 20%
40% Term Paper (Project)

15% tutorials are easy to get, just make sure you mark your attendances and not make any mistakes in those assignments. Just make sure you double check with your friends. Topics are not difficult to understand.

5% observatory tutorial requires you to visit one of the physics buildings where they store their telescope. The 5% comes from this written assignment that has to be handed in on the spot. No worries, the tutors will tell you all the answers. (lol.)

Term Test 1 is like this module's midterm. It will cover the first half of the syllabus, consisting of MCQ, fill-in-the-blank and short answer questions. It is closed book, so you are required to memorise. Any calculations are omitted.

Term Test 2 will be held right before the semester ends (Week 12/13). It will cover ALL of the syllabus and consist of MCQ and calculation questions. However, this is open book. The trick here is to organise your notes in a neat fashion and turn to them as fast as possible. There should be at least a few questions from each set of lecture notes.

Term Paper is a group project where you have to submit both the experiment and individual report. Project may be about anything as long as it is related to this module. My team borrowed a lux meter to measure the intensity of the light radiating from the light bulb. This is not time consuming if you know what you are doing (half day for experiment, 1-2 days for report)

Extra notes to readers: I have lecture notes and tutorials. I will not give out my group project but I can give you my individual report. Download them from my Dropbox.
If you want to know more about the modules I have taken, you may refer to this list.