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A general descriptive introduction to modern astrophysics: the Sun and stars, the Galaxy, extragalactic systems and cosmology.
A cutting edge introduction to modern astrophysics for those potentially interested in further study. We start by explaining how stars shine, and follow their evolution from birth to violent death. We explore strange new worlds around other stars and then move out into the cosmos, viewing our own Galaxy across the electromagnetic spectrum and revealing the evidence for Dark Matter and supermassive black holes. We then use our telescopes as time machines to look out and back in the Universe, studying other galaxy systems and the origin and fate of the Universe as a whole. This course requires some mathematical skills, please contact the course organiser for details.The topics covered in this course are:SUN AND STARS How can we study the stars? – characteristics of electromagnetic radiation and matter. The Sun and how it shines. How do we measure distances to stars?; Hertzsprung-Russell diagram; internal stellar structure; stellar evolution; protostar to stellar death – white dwarfs, planetary nebulae, supernovae, neutron stars and black holes.PLANETS and EXOPLANETSHow do we think planets form, and how do we explain the origin of our own solar system? Ways of finding planets around other stars and the search for life on other worldsTHE MILKY WAY How do we observe the Galaxy, effects of cosmic dust, the interstellar medium. Galactic rotation and evidence for Dark Matter. Spiral structure. The centre of the Galaxy and supermassive black hole.GALAXIES AND COSMOLOGY Galaxies beyond the Milky Way; Hubble’s law and expansion of the Universe; Large-scale structure of the Universe; Active galaxies and quasars; Cosmology – Big Bang & beyond; Dark Energy.
The goals of this course are to:a) provide foundation knowledge of Astrophysics for students advancing in an astronomy or physics BSc or BSc(Hons) degree. b) illustrate key concepts in physics using the medium of astronomy where the Universe becomes our laboratory for studying physics at the largest scales and the extremes of density and temperature.Students will obtain basic competency in analysing and solving astrophysical problems. They will also obtain basic astrophysics data analysis skills using software designed to simulate astronomical observations.Students will have developed and be able to demonstrate :basic scientific competency to solve mathematical problems in basic astrophysics.basic astrophysics data analysis skills written communication skills.
Computing lab / Problem Solving SkillsTutorial:On Fridays at 10:00 -10:50 am there will be a session that alternates between paper based problem solving skills tutorials and computer based astronomy exercises. The computing assignments will be handed out fortnightly at the start of the session. They make use of the CLEA software, which simulates astronomical observing projects, and are expected to take 2-3 hrs to complete in total. You will have one week to complete each assignment, and there are 5 in total giving 15% of the final mark. You will have the time with a staff member and tutor in the computing lab to start the assignment, and make sure that you understand the aims and that you can happily use the software. You should come to the first tutorial session on 22nd Feb with a lab book in which you will do your tutorial work and also write up each computer exercise. These will be sold from the University Book Shop. The cost of this lab book will be about $12.On the alternate Friday slot a paper-based problem sheet will be handed out for homework. The session will run as an active tutorial where students can discuss course material with staff (lecturer and tutor) and where staff will go through and assist students in attempting astrophysical problems similar to those on the homework sheet and at the level that you will encounter in the test and exam. These tutorial sessions (5 in total) are compulsory and will carry a 5% credit for participation based on work done DURING the session. We will collect in your lab books at the end of each tutorial, containing the work done during the session and also the previous week’s computer lab exercise for marking. The homework element (5 in total and based on the respective tutorial session) will carry 10% of the total mark.
For further information see Physics and Astronomy Head of Department
10 Weekly homeworks, half computer based, half paper based.Mid-semester Test, scheduled for Tuesday 23rd April, 12:00-12:50pm.
Numerous other astronomy texts suitable for supplementary reading are available in the Engineering and Sciences Library.
100-level physics and astronomy course information http://www.phys.canterbury.ac.nz/courses/100level.shtml
http://www.phys.canterbury.ac.nz/courses/General.pdf
Domestic fee $747.00
International fee $3,488.00
* All fees are inclusive of NZ GST or any equivalent overseas tax, and do not include any programme level discount or additional course-related expenses.
For further information see Physics and Astronomy .