Hobart
This unit is available in odd numbered years only.
Introduction
Astrophysics is the investigation of the Universe. It enables us to study the behaviour of matter in extreme environments that cannot be replicated on Earth. In this unit you will study the solar system, stars, stellar evolution, collapsed objects such as white dwarfs, neutron stars and black holes, galactic structure, galaxies, active galactic nuclei, galaxy clusters, and the cosmic background radiation.
This unit builds upon topics covered in the core second year physics units. KYA306 is an advanced unit within the physics major. It is a strong foundation for doing an honours project, masters, or PhD in astrophysics. This unit is taught only in odd-numbered years. It alternates with KYA305, Stellar and Planetary Physics, so that all physics majors have the option to study one or the other of these advanced units that cover macroscopic applications of gravitation, electromagnetism, quantum mechanics and fluid dynamics. Honours students have the opportunity to take either or both of these units as desired, by planning appropriately.
Summary 2021
| Unit name | Galactic and Extragalactic Astrophysics |
|---|---|
| Unit code | KYA306 |
| Credit points | 12.5 |
| Faculty/School | College of Sciences and Engineering School of Natural Sciences |
| Discipline | Physics |
| Coordinator | Andrew Cole |
| Teaching staff | |
| Level | Advanced |
| Available as student elective? | Yes |
| Breadth Unit? | No |
Availability
Note
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Units are offered in attending mode unless otherwise indicated (that is attendance is required at the campus identified). A unit identified as offered by distance, that is there is no requirement for attendance, is identified with a nominal enrolment campus. A unit offered to both attending students and by distance from the same campus is identified as having both modes of study.
Special approval is required for enrolment into TNE Program units.
TNE Program units special approval requirements.
* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (see withdrawal dates explained for more information).
Learning Outcomes
1 | Explain how the theories of gravity, electromagnetism, and atomic & nuclear physics relate to the study of galactic and extragalactic astronomy and inform society's concepts of our place in the cosmos. |
2 | Apply knowledge of galactic and extragalactic systems to modern astrophysical scientific questions. |
3 | Analyse galactic and extragalactic astrophysical objects using appropriate scientific methodology. |
4 | Present scientific results to peers and demonstrate understanding of astrophysics using oral and written means with appropriate data visualization techniques. |
5 | Use ethical approaches to problem solving, self-directed learning, and group learning relevant to astrophysical investigations, to develop collaborative and professional ways of working. |
Fees
Requisites
Prerequisites
- KYA211 - Waves and Kinetic Theory AND KYA212 - Electromagnetism and Thermodynamics AND KMA252 - Calculus and Applications 2
Co-requisites
Mutual Exclusions
You cannot enrol in this unit as well as the following:
Teaching
| Teaching Pattern | 3 x 180 minutes lectures weekly, 1-hr tutorial weekly |
|---|---|
| Assessment | AT1 - Assignment (25%) AT2 - Mid-semester test 1 (25%) AT3 - Mid-semester test 2 (25%) AT4 - Literature review (25%) |
| Timetable | View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable |
Textbooks
| Required | Information about any textbook requirements will be available from mid November. |
|---|---|
| Recommended |
The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.