Module Details

Module Code: NAUT7005
Title: Principles of Navigation
Long Title: Principles of Navigation
NFQ Level: Intermediate
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2013/14 ( September 2013 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 5253 - Nautical Science
Module Delivered in: 1 programme(s)
Module Description: This module gives the learner the underpinning and theoretical knowledge for ocean navigation using terrestrial and celestial methods, and also the theory and properties of the free gyro.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Describe the relationships of the Earth Reference System.
LO2 Compare the methods of position fixing using the Celestial Sphere.
LO3 Employ the theory of the Solar System in illustrating planetry motion.
LO4 Illustrate the theory of Time measurement.
LO5 Explain the properties of the free gyroscope.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
Students should have attained Level 6 in Mathematics generally and trigonometry in particular
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
None
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
Successful completion of the modules Technological Maths1 (Nautical) and Applied Nautical Science at Stage 1.
 
Indicative Content
Earth Reference System
The Shape of the earth. Poles, equator, meridians, parallels of latitude. Position by latitude and longitude. Direction, bearing, distance, units of measurement. Difference of latitude, difference of longitude, departure, mean latitude, difference of meridional parts and the relationship between them. Great circles, great circle course & distance, small circles on a sphere. Simple properties of Mercator and gnomonic charts. Latitude and Longitude scales; measurement of distance. Rhumblines. Great circles and composite tracks.
Celestial Sphere
The celestial sphere; definitions on the celestial sphere, apparent motion on the celestial sphere. Declination. Azimuth. Sidereal hour angle. The position of a body on the celestial sphere; azimuth with altitude or declination with sidereal or local hour angle. The rising, culmination and setting of heavenly bodies. Local hour angle of a heavenly body in time and arc. Greenwich hour angle of Sun, Moon, planets and Aries. Correction of sextant altitudes; dip; refraction, horizontal parallax, parallax in altitude, semi-diameter and augmentation. Geographical position of a heavenly body. A circle of position and its practical application, i.e. position line. Intercept.
Solar System
Solar system, earth-moon system, planetary motion. Earth's rotation and movement in orbit, mean sun, ecliptic, first point of Aries. Equinox & solstice, sunrise, sunset, twilight. The link between the tides & the phases of the moon.
Time
Time; Greenwich and other standard time, zone time, mean time, apparent time, sidereal time, equation of time, relationship between longitude and time.
The Free Gyroscope
Properties of the free gyroscope. Relationship between applied force and precession. Drift and tilt. Outline principle of developing a North-seeking instrument by gravity control.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Short Answer Questions % of Total Mark 20
Timing Week 3 Learning Outcomes 1
Assessment Description
The Earth Reference System
Assessment Type Short Answer Questions % of Total Mark 40
Timing Week 7 Learning Outcomes 2
Assessment Description
The Celestial Sphere
Assessment Type Short Answer Questions % of Total Mark 30
Timing Week 10 Learning Outcomes 3,4
Assessment Description
The Solar System & Time
Assessment Type Short Answer Questions % of Total Mark 10
Timing Sem End Learning Outcomes 5
Assessment Description
The Free Gyroscope
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will consist of a repeat examination. It is possible that there will also be a requirement to be reassessed in a coursework element.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact No Description Every Week 4.00 4
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact No Description Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
This module has no Part Time workload.
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • The Royal Navy. (2011), Admiralty Manual of Navigation Vol 2 Astro Navigation, 10th edition. All, Nautical Institute, [ISBN: 9781906915308].
  • A. Frost,. (1982), Marine Gyro Compasses for Ships' Officers, 10th. All, Brown, Son & Ferguson Ltd, [ISBN: 9780851744261].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
This module does not have any other resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_SNASC_7 Bachelor of Science in Nautical Science 6 Mandatory