Astrophysics (PHYC30019)
Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
About this subject
Contact information
Semester 1
Overview
| Availability | Semester 1 |
|---|---|
| Fees | Look up fees |
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
Intended learning outcomes
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.
Generic skills
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.
Last updated: 21 January 2025
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
Physics
One of
PHYC20005
| Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| PHYC20009 | Thermal and Classical Physics | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| PHYC20010 | Quantum Mechanics and Special Relativity | Year Long (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| PHYC20011 | Electromagnetism and Optics | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
Or one of
| Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| PHYC20012 | Quantum and Thermal Physics | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| PHYC20015 | Special Relativity and Electromagnetism | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
And Mathematics
| Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAST20009 | Vector Calculus |
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
And at least one of
| Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAST10009 | Accelerated Mathematics 2 | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| MAST20026 | Real Analysis |
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
| MAST20030 | Differential Equations | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
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: 21 January 2025
Assessment
Additional details
- 3 x 1500 word equivalent written assignments, written in groups of 2-3; due in Weeks 4, 8 and 11 (each assignment will be the outcome of 4 x1-hour problem workshops in each of these weeks)(30%)
- 3 hour examination; held in examination period (70%)
- Attendance of at least 9 of the problem workshops held in Weeks 4, 8 and 11 (hurdle requirement)
Last updated: 21 January 2025
Dates & times
- Semester 1
Principal coordinator Rachel Webster Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 2 to 4 hours per week, 36 in total, lectures and problem-solving classes Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 27 February 2017 to 28 May 2017 Last self-enrol date 10 March 2017 Census date 31 March 2017 Last date to withdraw without fail 5 May 2017 Assessment period ends 23 June 2017 Semester 1 contact information
Time commitment details
Estimated total time commitment of 170 hours
Last updated: 21 January 2025
Further information
- Texts
- Subject notes
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Informal specialisation Physics Informal specialisation Physics Informal specialisation Science-credited subjects - new generation B-SCI and B-ENG. Major Physics Informal specialisation Physics - Breadth options
- 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.
Please note Single Subject Studies via Community Access Program is not available to student visa holders or applicants
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
Last updated: 21 January 2025