Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 2 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

This second level unit is one of the key units in the astrophysics co-major and introduces you to most of the main aspects of astrophysics. This unit is essential as it defines the connections between the supporting units of the co-major. You will make use of knowledge and skills developed in first level physics, maths and natural resource units.

Aims

The aim of this unit is to give you a basic knowledge of stellar astrophysics. You will also learn how to solve astrophysical problems individually and in teams. An important part of this unit is the practical component in which you will perform experiments which relate celestial and terrestrial physics.

Objectives

On completion of this unit you should be able to:

1. understand the main principles of stellar astrophysics.
2. identify the correct equations to use in solving basic astrophysical problems.
3.write a scientific report - which includes the basic elements of a scientific paper, i.e., abstract, introduction, method, results, discussion and references.
4. write a short report (about 1,000 words) in the style of a newspaper or magazine article that could be understood by someone without a background in astrophysics.
5. Give a short (10 minute) oral presentation that describes a topic in astrophysics that could be understood by a member of the general public.
6. work as part of a team.

Content

Brief history of astronomy - Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Greeks, Renaissance Europe. Kepler's laws, gravitation, the physics of planetary motion, detection of exosolar planets. Measuring distances in the universe - parallax, Cepheid variables, supernovae etc. Resolution of optical and radio telescopes. Stellar classification, spectroscopy - stellar composition, magnitudes, luminance etc. Star birth nebulae, contraction of Bok globules, protostars. Nucleosynthesis in stellar cores, e.g. the proton-proton chain. Overview of the closest star to our earth, i.e. the sun. Nucleosynthesis in massive stars. Red giants, planetary nebulae, white dwarfs. Supernovae. Neutron stars, pulsars. Black holes, gamma ray bursts.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

There will be 2 hours of formal lectures per week and 2 hours of prac. In the practical sessions you will perform laboratory experiments that relate terrestrial and celestial physics. You will be required to work in teams to perform the laboratory experiments, but will be required to write up your own short report on four of the six experiments. Each report will be structured in the format of a scientific paper (i.e. abstract, introduction, method, results, discussion). Close to the end of the semester, you will be required to give a 10 minute presentation on any space topic to the class. This must be at a level that the general public could understand. You are also required to submit an article on your chosen seminar topic which would be suitable for publication in a magazine aimed at the general public. This unit will contribute strongly to generic attributes such as problem solving, critical thinking, and communication and inter-personal skills.

Assessment

The assessment in this unit is designed to provide valuable learning experiences as well as formative feedback to enable you to achieve the objectives of this unit and to combine and integrate the knowledge and skills you have acquired throughout the Physics units studied throughout your course.Formative feedback will be provided via the practical exercises as well as through the group discussions occurring in the lectures and practicals.

Assessment name: Laboratory/Practical
Description: Formative/summative
Relates to objectives: 3.
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: During Semester

Assessment name: Presentation (Oral)
Description: Formative/summative
Relates to objectives: 5.
Weight: 5%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: During Semester

Assessment name: Report
Description: Formative/summative
Relates to objectives: 4.
Weight: 5%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: During Semester

Assessment name: Examination (Theory)
Description: Formative
Relates to objectives: 1 and 2.
Weight: 50%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: End Semester

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

An Introduction to Modern Astrophysics 2nd ed, Carroll and Ostlie, Pearson, ISBN 0-321-44284-9. (N.B. This is the same book used for Astrophysics 2).

Texts:
1. Phillips (1999) The Physics of Stars, 2nd edition, Wiley

Risk assessment statement

In this unit you will undertake lectures and practicals in classrooms and lecture theatres. There are no extraordinary workplace health and safety issues associated with these components of the unit.

You will also be required to undertake practical sessions in the laboratory under the supervision of teaching and technical staff of the School. The School's occupational health and safety policies and procedures will apply to these sessions and you will be required to conform to these. You will undergo a health and safety induction before the commencement of the first practical session. For this unit you will also need to complete a self-directed learning exercise in laser safety since some of the laboratory exercises use lasers. If you do not follow legitimate instructions or endanger the safety of others or do not act in accordance with the requirements of the Workplace Health and Safety Act, you will be required to leave the session.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 25-May-2012