Astrophysics (PHYC30019)

Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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As part of the University’s response to COVID-19 and the associated Government restrictions and guidelines, most subjects will continue to be delivered online in Winter and Semester 2.
For information about the University’s phased return to campus and in-person activity in Winter and Semester 2, please refer to the on-campus subjects page.

Please refer to the LMS for up-to-date subject information, including assessment and participation requirements, for subjects being offered in 2020.

Overview

Availability
Semester 1
FeesLook 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 No longer available
PHYC20010 Quantum Mechanics and Special Relativity No longer available
PHYC20011 Electromagnetism and Optics No longer available

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 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 1 (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

Due to the impact of COVID-19, assessment may differ from that published in the Handbook. Students are reminded to check the subject assessment requirements published in the subject outline on the LMS

DescriptionTimingPercentage

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)

  • 4500 words (total)
From Week 4 to Week 1130%

Examination

  • 3 hours
During the examination period70%
Hurdle requirement: Attendance of at least 9 of the problem workshops held in Weeks 4, 8 and 11From Week 4 to Week 11N/A

Last updated: 21 January 2025

Dates & times

  • Semester 1
    Principal coordinatorRachel Webster
    Mode of deliveryOn Campus (Parkville)
    Contact hours2 to 4 hours per week, 36 in total, lectures and problem-solving classes
    Total time commitment170 hours
    Teaching period 2 March 2020 to 7 June 2020
    Last self-enrol date13 March 2020
    Census date30 April 2020
    Last date to withdraw without fail 5 June 2020
    Assessment period ends 3 July 2020

    Semester 1 contact information

    Email: PHYC30019@physics.unimelb.edu.au

Time commitment details

Estimated total time commitment of 170 hours

Last updated: 21 January 2025

Further information

Last updated: 21 January 2025