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High Energy Astrophysics (PHYC90056)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
To learn more, visit 2023 Course and subject delivery.
About this subject
- Overview
- Eligibility and requirements
- Assessment
- Dates and times
- Further information
- Timetable(opens in new window)
Contact information
Overview
Availability | Semester 1 |
---|---|
Fees | Look up fees |
This subject provides an overview of the key concepts and principles associated with High Energy Astrophysics and their application in current astrophysics research. Students will develop their understanding of the engines that power astrophysical sources and of the physical processes that govern the emission of these sources. Students will also learn to connect these theoretical concepts to recent observational studies in astrophysics.
This subject covers non-thermal and thermal emission processes associated with high energy relativistic particles, shocks and plasmas, as well as the acceleration mechanisms for relativistic particles in these settings. It will apply these concepts to study stellar evolution, supernovae, the physics of compact objects (white dwarfs, neutron stars, and black holes), and the physics of accretion and accretion disks around compact objects. The physics will be tied to how these settings can be probed observationally through the electromagnetic spectrum, gravitational waves, or cosmic rays.
Intended learning outcomes
Upon completion of this subject, students should be able to:
- Describe and discuss key questions in contemporary high energy astrophysics research;
- Understand the radiative and acceleration processes that occur in astrophysical sources;
- Understand the physics associated with stellar evolution and death;
- Describe and discuss the formation and structure of neutron stars and black holes;
- Understand the physics of accretion onto compact objects;
- Apply the knowledge gained on radiative processes, accretion and stellar objects to address contemporary questions in astrophysics;
- Use estimation (order of magnitude) as a preliminary tool to investigate problems in contemporary astrophysics;
- Develop the skills required to interpret astrophysical data, and understand the physical principles underlying detection techniques for radio waves, X-rays and Gamma rays, neutrinos, cosmic rays and gravitational waves;
Generic skills
On completion of this subject, students should have developed the following generic skills:
- Advanced problem-solving and critical thinking skills;
- An ability to apply abstract concepts to real-world situations;
- An ability to solving solve relatively complicated problems using approximations;
- An ability to participate as an effective member of a group in discussions and collaborative assignments;
- Effective time-management skills;
- The capacity to apply concepts developed in one area to a different context.
Last updated: 31 January 2024
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
PHYC30016 | Electrodynamics | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
OR
Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
PHYC30018 | Quantum Physics | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
Corequisites
Non-allowed subjects
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: 31 January 2024
Assessment
Description | Timing | Percentage |
---|---|---|
Three written assignments , totalling up to 50 pages of written work (due weeks 3, 7 and 11)
| Throughout the semester | 30% |
Written Exam
| During the examination period | 70% |
Last updated: 31 January 2024
Dates & times
- Semester 1
Coordinators Michele Trenti and Christian Reichardt Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 3x 1hour lectures, weekly 1x 1 hour tutorial, weekly (over 10 weeks) Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 27 February 2023 to 28 May 2023 Last self-enrol date 10 March 2023 Census date 31 March 2023 Last date to withdraw without fail 5 May 2023 Assessment period ends 23 June 2023
What do these dates mean
Visit this webpage to find out about these key dates, including how they impact on:
- Your tuition fees, academic transcript and statements.
- And for Commonwealth Supported students, your:
- Student Learning Entitlement. This applies to all students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP).
Subjects withdrawn after the census date (including up to the ‘last day to withdraw without fail’) count toward the Student Learning Entitlement.
Last updated: 31 January 2024
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
There are no specifically prescribed or recommended texts for this subject.
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Course Graduate Diploma in Science (Advanced) Course Master of Science (Physics) - 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.
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
This subject is available to students studying at the University from eligible overseas institutions on exchange and study abroad. Students are required to satisfy any listed requirements, such as pre- and co-requisites, for enrolment in the subject.
Last updated: 31 January 2024