Astrophysics

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2010:

Physics

One of

• 640-214 Quantum Mechanics & Special Relativity
• 640-215 Electromagnetism & Optics
• 640-213 Thermal & Classical Physics (may be taken concurrently)
• 640-223 Quantum Mechanics & Thermal Physics (Advanced) (prior to 2009)
• 640-243 Quantum Mechanics & Thermal Physics
• 640-225 Electromagnetism & Special Relativity (Advanced) (prior to 2009)
• 640-245 Electromagnetism & Special Relativity (prior to 2009)
• 640-237 Astrophysics & Optics (prior to 2009)
• 640-234 Further Classical & Quantum Mechanics (prior to 2009)

And Mathematics

Either both of

• 620-231 Vector Calculus
• 620-295 Real Analysis with Applications

Or

• 620-296 Multivariable & Vector Calculus (prior to 2010)

For students who commenced second year level mathematics prior to 2009:

One of

• 620-231 Vector Analysis (prior to 2009)
• 620-233 Vector Analysis Advanced (prior to 2009)
• 620-231 Vector Calculus

And one of

• 620-232 Mathematical Methods (prior to 2010)
• 620-234 Mathematical Methods Advanced (prior to 2009).

Students cannot gain for this subject and either of the following

• 640-237 Astrophysics & Optics II (prior to 2009)
• 640-351 Astrophysics & Optics III (prior to 2010)

This subject provides an introduction to astrophysics in which the basic structure of stars, our galaxy and the universe will be discussed, and the most recent research questions will be introduced.

Topics covered include:

• structure and evolution of stars, the structure of the Milky Way and other cosmic objects, cosmological models,
• emission processes in astrophysics, high energy astrophysics and cosmology,
• radiation processes, degenerate stars, black holes, accretion processes and relativistic cosmology.

To challenge students to expand their knowledge of fundamental astrophysics principles and develop their capacity to:

• explain the structure and evolution of stars, the Milky Way and other cosmic objects and discuss cosmological models;
• explain the processes underlying emission processes in astrophysics, high energy astrophysics and cosmology;
• demonstrate an understanding of emission processes, degenerate stars, black holes, accretion processes and relativistic cosmology, and solve problems relevant to these topics.

Two written assignments each totalling up to an equivalent of 1500 words due during semester (10% each); project work involving 15-minute group presentation and written report up to 1000 words due during semester (10%); a 3-hour written examination in the examination period (70%).

Dan Maoz, Astrophysics in a Nutshell, Princeton University Press, 2007

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

• Bachelor of Commerce
• Bachelor of Environments
• Bachelor of Music

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

A student who completes this subject should be able to:

• analyse how to solve a problem by applying simple fundamental laws to more complicated situations;
• apply abstract concepts to real-world situations;
• solve relatively complicated problems using approximations;
• participate as an effective member of a group in tutorial discussions;
• manage time effectively in order to be prepared for tutorial classes, undertake written assignments and the examination, and prepare and give a group presentation.