High Energy Astrophysics (PHYC90056)

Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5Not available in 2024

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Overview

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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: 8 November 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: 8 November 2024

Assessment

DescriptionTimingPercentage

Three written assignments , totalling up to 50 pages of written work (due weeks 3, 7 and 11)

  • 50 pages
Throughout the semester30%

Written Exam

  • 3.5 hours
During the examination period70%

Last updated: 8 November 2024

Dates & times

Not available in 2024

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: 8 November 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:

    TypeName
    CourseGraduate Diploma in Science (Advanced)
    CourseMaster 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.

    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

    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: 8 November 2024