Astrophysics (PHYC30019)

Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

Availability
Semester 1
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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: 9 April 2025

Eligibility and requirements

Prerequisites

Students are required to meet both Physics and Mathematics prerequisites below

Physics:

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

Mathematics:

One of

Code Name Teaching period Credit Points
MAST20009 Vector Calculus
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
MAST20032 Vector Calculus: Advanced
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5

AND

One of

Code Name Teaching period Credit Points
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
PHYC20014 Theoretical Physics 2
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
MAST20033 Real Analysis: Advanced
Semester 1 (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: 9 April 2025

Assessment

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: 9 April 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 3 March 2025 to 1 June 2025
    Last self-enrol date14 March 2025
    Census date31 March 2025
    Last date to withdraw without fail 9 May 2025
    Assessment period ends27 June 2025

    Semester 1 contact information

    Email: PHYC30019@physics.unimelb.edu.au

Time commitment details

Estimated total time commitment of 170 hours

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: 9 April 2025

Further information

Last updated: 9 April 2025