Courses & Units
Experimental Astrophysics KYA702
This unit is available in even numbered years only.
Introduction
The successful design and execution of astrophysical observations requires an in depth knowledge of the telescope, its instruments and their operation. The aim of this unit is to give students a theoretical and practical introduction to fundamental astronomical observation techniques. It will cover the design parameters which govern the performance of radio and optical telescopes, and a range of astronomical observing techniques, including radiometery, spectroscopy, interferometry and photometry. The theory covered in the lectures will be put into practice through a series of observational projects at the Mt Pleasant radio telescope and Bisdee Tier optical telescope. This unit is particularly relevant to those students intending to undertake an astrophysics research project.
Summary
| Unit name | Experimental Astrophysics |
|---|---|
| Unit code | KYA702 |
| Credit points | 12.5 |
| College/School | College of Sciences and Engineering School of Natural Sciences |
| Discipline | Physics |
| Coordinator | Professor John Dickey |
| Delivered By | University of Tasmania |
| Level | Advanced |
Availability
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | On-Campus | International | Domestic | |
Key
- On-campus
- Off-Campus
- International students
- Domestic students
Note
Please check that your computer meets the minimum System Requirements if you are attending via Distance/Off-Campus.
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.
Key Dates
| Study Period | Start date | Census date | WW date | End date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | 20/2/2023 | 21/3/2023 | 10/4/2023 | 28/5/2023 |
* 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 (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).
Unit census dates currently displaying for 2023 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2023 will be available from the 1st October 2022. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).
Learning Outcomes
- be familiar with basic terminology and processes in atmospheric physics and astrophysics.
- understand the way that electromagnetic radiation is affected by the Earth's atmosphere.
- be familiar with the basics of star formation and life cycles, and the basics of the evolution of the Universe.
- derive and use a range of physical formulae that describe the conditions and processes in stars, star clusters, and galaxies, and ready to apply these concepts to formulate new observations and research problems in astronomy.
- have an appreciation of the structure and dynamics of the middle and upper atmosphere, and the various techniques that are employed to make measurements of the processes in this part of the atmosphere.
- understand the important role of the Earth's electric and magnetic fields, and the role of large-scale waves in determining the properties of the Earth’s atmosphere.
Fee Information
| Field of Education | Commencing Student Contribution 1,3 | Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3 | Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3 | Domestic Full Fee 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 010301 | $1,037.00 | $1,037.00 | not applicable | $2,836.00 |
1 Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
2 Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
3 Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
4 Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.
If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.
Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.
Teaching
| Assessment | Assignment (25%)|Presentation (25%)|Test or quiz (25%)|Test or quiz (25%) |
|---|---|
| Timetable | View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable |
Textbooks
| Required |
Required readings will be listed in the unit outline prior to the start of classes. |
Links | Booktopia textbook finder |
|---|
The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.