Units
Astrophysics 2
Unit code: PQB660
Contact hours: 4 per week
Credit points: 12
Information about fees and unit costs
Theoretical astrophysics and cosmology are at the forefront in developing comprehensive physical understanding of our world, including natural links between macro and micro processes in the Universe. This third level unit is one of the key units in the astrophysics co-major, that presents an advanced undergraduate course in modern theory of gravitation, space-time concept, cosmology, and their relationship with other areas of contemporary physics. You will be required to use the knowledge and skills developed in first and second level physics and maths units. This unit is the 'cap-stone' of the astrophysics co-major. The main aim of this course is to introduce you to one of the most challenging and exciting topics in modern physics - theory of gravitation and relativistic cosmology.
Availability
| Semester | Available |
|---|---|
| 2013 Semester 2 | Yes |
Sample subject outline - Semester 2 2013
Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.
Rationale
Theoretical astrophysics and cosmology are at the forefront in developing comprehensive physical understanding of our world, including natural links between macro and micro processes in the Universe.
This third level unit is one of the key units in the astrophysics co-major, that presents an advanced undergraduate course in modern theory of gravitation, space-time concepts, cosmology, and their relationship with other areas of contemporary physics.
Aims
The main aim of this course is to introduce you to one of the most challenging and exciting topics in modern physics - theory of gravitation and relativistic cosmology.
Objectives
Upon successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
1. apply modern mathematical approaches and methods in astrophysics and cosmology.
2. understand major physical principles, theoretical and experimental approaches in the theory of special and general relativity.
3. understand modern theories of gravitation, massive objects in the Universe, and evolution of the Universe.
4. apply problem solving skills applicable to various areas of astro physics.
5. understand the relationship between various theories in modern physics.
Content
Topics to be covered include the following: Special theory of relativity, introduction to the General theory of relativity, curved space-time Einstein equations for gravity, gravitational waves, gravitational lensing, Gravitational collapse, black holes, quasars, neutron stars and pulsars; Relativistic cosmology, Big Bang, evolution of the Universe, finite and infinite models of the Universe; Big Bang nucleosynthesis, galactic morphoology, galaxy red shift surveys, dark matter, dark energy. Square Kilometer Array (SKA). Links between particle physics and astrophysics.
Approaches to Teaching and Learning
In this unit you will attend a series of lectures to explain and demonstrate the content as described above. You will be required to undertake private study to supplement and support the lecture program. You will be required to do tutorials in special relativity and two assignments on topics in General Relativity/Cosmology.
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 tutorial exercises as well as through the group discussions occurring in both the lectures and tutorials.
Assessment name:
Project
Description:
Supervised assignment tasks.
Relates to objectives:
1-5
Weight:
35%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
During Semester
Assessment name:
Essay
Description:
Essays/written assignments.
Relates to objectives:
1-5
Weight:
20%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
During Semester
Assessment name:
Examination (written)
Description:
End of semester theory exam.
Relates to objectives:
1-5
Weight:
45%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
Exam Period
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 1).
Risk assessment statement
A laser is used in one of the laboratory exercises and so you will be required to do a short self-directed learning course on laser safety.
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
