Stellar and Planetary Physics unit (KYA305)

Hobart

Introduction

Stellar and Planetary Physics is an advanced unit in the Physics Major focusing on the production of energy in stars and the structure and energy balance of planets, including the Earth-Sun system and the physics of climate. Different sections of the unit concentrate on topics including: the structure of the solar interior and atmosphere; nuclear reaction networks in the Sun and other stars; stellar formation and evolution; radiation transfer through stellar and planetary atmospheres, including the processes of transmission, absorption, scattering and emission; space weather; aurorae and the Earth's magnetic field; remote sensing of the atmosphere and surface of the Earth; seismological probes of planetary and stellar interiors; terrestrial energy balance and climate change; numerical modelling techniques to describe stars, planets, and their atmospheres. This unit builds upon topics covered in first- and second-year physics units and is recommended for students intending to major in physics. The topics covered are also suitable for students wishing to gain an understanding of the physics of astronomy, climatology, meteorology, Antarctic studies, physical geography, and related areas.

Summary

Unit name	Stellar and Planetary Physics
Unit code	KYA305
Credit points	12.5
College/School	Sciences and Engineering School of Natural Sciences
Discipline	Physics
Coordinator	Professor Andrew Cole
Available as an elective?	Yes
Delivered By	University of Tasmania
Level	Advanced

Availability

Specific information on 2027 unit availability will be available in August

Key Dates

Study Period	Start date	Census date	WW date	End date
Semester 1	21/2/2027	15/3/2027	18/4/2027	12/6/2027

* 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 2027 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2027 will be available from the 1st October 2026. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

• Explain the principles underlying the structure of stars, planetary atmospheres, and their surroundings.
• Apply relevant theoretical knowledge of physical principles to the transfer of radiation through various media, including both stellar and planetary atmospheres.
• Explain and apply the observational and computational methods by which data are obtained for stellar and planetary systems including their immediate environs in space and their atmospheres.
• Formulate and test hypotheses regarding stellar and planetary systems through experimentation.
• Analyse the Earth-Sun system to evaluate evidence for and against competing hypotheses in stellar and terrestrial physics, including those regarding anthropogenic influence on climate.

Fee Information

2027 fee information will be available in August.

Requisites

Prerequisites

KYA212 Electromagnetism & Thermodynamics AND KMA252 Calculus and Applications 2 OR admission into a Masters of Applied Science course

Teaching

Teaching Pattern	3 x 50 minute lectures weekly, 1 x 50 minute tutorial weekly, 5 x 2-hr practicals
Assessment	Planetary physics mid-term test (15%)|Stellar physics mid-term test (15%)|Weekly Problem Set Assignments (30%)|Examination (40%)
Timetable	View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required	Course pack prepared by lecturers.
Recommended	“Physics of Radiation and Climate”, 2015, Michael P. Box and Gail Box, CRC Press, ISBN-13 978-1466572058, e-book available.

The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.