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Research School of Astronomy and Astrophysics · ANU College of Science and Medicine
Enrolment in this course is capped at 44 students The goal of this course is to provide students with the knowledge of the most essential physical processes in astrophysics, and the way in which we can make key inferences about these processes by astronomical observations. Students will develop an understanding of the thermodynamical, nuclear and radiative processes that govern the evolution of stars and stellar systems, and how stellar and planetary masses, distances, luminosities, temperature and radii are inferred from observations. They will learn about the key components of galaxies – dark matter, stars and gas, and how their masses and other properties are measured. Students will also gain practical experience with astronomical observations with a field trip to the Siding Spring Observatory. This course can be taken as an HPO, as an extension to the scientific report on 2.3m observations. Please discuss with course convener if you request this option.
Homework problem sets
Learning outcomes 1, 2, 3
In-workshop problems
Learning outcomes 1, 2, 3
Final exam
Learning outcomes 1, 2
Scientific Report on 2.3m Observations
Learning outcomes 3, 4
Worksheet and participation during the field trip
Learning outcomes 1, 3
Mini public group presentation at observatory.
Learning outcomes 4
The expected workload will consist of approximately 130 hours throughout the semester including: - Face-to face component which may consist of approximately 1 x 1 hour lectures plus 1x 2 hours of tutorials per week. - A four-day / three-night field trip to Siding Spring Observatory during the mid-semester teaching break. - Approximately 70 hours of self-directed study which will include preparation for lectures and other assessment tasks. Some of this study may occur during weekly sessions at the physics drop-in centre. Work Integrated Learning Fieldwork Students may engage with WIL partners (internal/external) as a component of the course Other Information Students are required to pay a contribution towards the cost of the field trip; expected to be approximately $250. Payment can be made online at ScienceShop http://scienceshop.anu.edu.au/ The Honours Pathway Option (HPO) is an extension to the Scientific Report on 2.3m observations, with details depending on the chosen project. The extension is designed to take the analysis of observational data closer to what might be required in an honours year.
Astrophysics in a Nutshell, by D. Maoz