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From the Solar System to the Cosmos (PHYC10008)
Undergraduate level 1Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
About this subject
- Overview
- Eligibility and requirements
- Assessment
- Dates and times
- Further information
- Timetable(opens in new window)
Contact information
Semester 2
Email: r.webster@unimelb.edu.au
Overview
Availability | Semester 2 |
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Fees | Look up fees |
This subject will explore all aspects of the universe we live in from our solar system to the Milky Way and beyond. It will focus on why human beings have become interested in the extra-terrestrial world, and how they have explored it. In particular, the subject will explore the ideas of modern cosmology, with an up-to-date discussion of the latest discoveries. Important basic concepts in Mathematics and Science will be taught as required.
Intended learning outcomes
To enable students to understand the basic structure of the universe we live in, and to develop their capacity to:
- cultivate an appreciation and understanding of the scientific method of enquiry, particularly as applied to astronomical questions
- explore and understand the major unresolved questions: What is dark matter? What is dark energy? Is there life on other planets?
- understand and explain key objects in the universe, such as stars, galaxies, cosmology and solar systems
- learn and use basic scientific and mathematical ideas to explain the formation and evolution of these objects
Generic skills
A student who completes this subject should be able to:
- explain their understanding of scientific principles and applications lucidly, both in writing and orally;
- participate as an effective member of a group in laboratory and study groups;
- think independently and analytically, and direct his or her own learning; and
- manage time effectively in order to be prepared for regular practical classes, tests and the examination.
Last updated: 22 March 2024
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Recommended background knowledge
Mathematics and Science at Year 10 level as a minimum.
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 22 March 2024
Assessment
Additional details
Ongoing assessment of practical work during the semester (25%); ten weekly assignments (15%); a mid-semester test (10%); a 2-hour written examination in the examination period (50%).
Last updated: 22 March 2024
Dates & times
- Semester 2
Principal coordinator Rachel Webster Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 3 x one hour lectures per week; 28 hours of practical work (8 x three hour workshops including practical work and up to 30 minutes of pre-workshop activity). Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 24 July 2017 to 22 October 2017 Last self-enrol date 4 August 2017 Census date 31 August 2017 Last date to withdraw without fail 22 September 2017 Assessment period ends 17 November 2017 Semester 2 contact information
Email: r.webster@unimelb.edu.au
Time commitment details
Estimated total time commitment of 170 hours
Additional delivery details
This subject requires all students to actively and safely participate in laboratory activities.
Last updated: 22 March 2024
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
The Cosmic Perspective 6 th Ed Bennett, Donahue, Schneider, Voit, Pearson Education Inc.
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Informal specialisation Science-credited subjects - new generation B-SCI and B-ENG. Informal specialisation Selective subjects for B-BMED - Breadth options
This subject is available as breadth in the following courses:
- Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
Last updated: 22 March 2024