Astrophysics

This subject is not offered in 2014.

Estimated total time commitment of 120 hours

Physics

One of

And Mathematics

Either both of

Or both

None

None

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry.
The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

This subject provides an introduction to astrophysics discussing the basic structure of stars, our galaxy, and the universe and introducing the most recent research questions.

Topics covered include:

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

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

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

This subject is available for science credit to students enrolled in the BSc (both pre-2008 and new degrees), BASc or a combined BSc course.