PHYS2160 Astronomy

Level 2 Physics course
3UOC
Offered every year, Session 2

Information for Session 2, 2011

Lecturer: Prof. John K. Webb
Room 121, Old Main Building (arrange appointment by email)
jkw@phys.unsw.edu.au, 9385 5578
Lecture times: Wednesday 11-12 OMB G32, Thursdays 10-11 Rupert Myers Theatre.

Brief Syllabus:

Our Galaxy; other galaxies; active galactic nuclei; distance scale and large-scale structure of the universe; cosmology.

Assumed Knowledge:

The course assumes familiarity with first year physics, e.g. PHYS1002 or PHYS1221 or PHYS1231 or PHYS1241 or PHYS1022.

Course Goals and learning objectives

This course provides a broad introduction to some of the most fascinating concepts in modern science.  In general terms, it is hoped that the course will hone your critical thinking skills, will lead to a better understanding of the nature of science, and allow you to appreciate the plethora of intriguing astrophysical objects the universe has to offer.  You will understand astronomical sizes and scales, and discover the structure of the universe.  You may well also develop an increased interest in following up new discoveries in astronomy, as a life-long learning activity.

Why is astronomy important?

Through a desire to understand astronomical observations of the observed universe came our present knowledge of fundamental subjects such as mechanics and gravity.  Whilst astronomy is probably the oldest science, the revolution it has experienced within the last decade arguably also makes it the youngest.  New technological advances, new large ground-based telescopes and telescopes in space, provide new views of unprecedented precision into the furthest realms of the universe ever reached.  Whilst pure research is not usually strongly motivated by practical spin-offs, these do sometimes occur, an example being the development of CCD detectors.  More importantly, astronomy is fascinating in its own right, and is intimately linked with other fundamental areas in science such as particle physics.  This helps astronomy play an invaluable role in heightening general interest in science, and encouraging education in other important and practical areas of science and mathematics.

Assessment

Two assignments, each worth 10%
Mid-session test, 20%
Final exam, 60%

There are also tutorial exercises.  These are not formally assessed, but are designed to assist in doing well with the assessed work.

For rules regarding academic honesty, etc, see the School website here.

Resources

Printed copies of all lecture notes are available for each student.  The course is not designed around any specific textbook.  However, several books are used:

M. Zeilik & S. Gregory, Introductory Astronomy & Astrophysics, (Saunders)
F. Shu, The Physical Universe – an introduction to astronomy, (University Science Books)

The following are all good introductory texts on astronomy, with excellent illustrations, but the material is covered at a lower level than this course:

Those students having difficulties should consult the lecturer for help. Further information on student support services may be found on the School website here.

Detailed Syllabus

Our galaxy

Other galaxies

Active Galactic Nucleii

Distance Scale

Black Holes

Cosmology

Further Information

For more information about PHYS2160 contact:

last updated 1st February 2011