Astronomy
Dr Denis Coates
8 points * Four 1-hour lecture/problem classes and one 5-hour laboratory class per week * Second semester * Clayton * Prerequisites: PHS1011 and PHS1022, or PHS1031 and PHS1042
This is an introduction to astrophysics, in which physical ideas gained in first year are developed and used to understand how data from the cosmos are obtained and interpreted. Laboratory work introduces experimental techniques and illustrates and extends the lecture material. Students may undertake their own astronomical observations. Topics covered are practical astronomy (eg coordinate systems, time, orbits); the solar system (including physical properties, origin theories); stars and observational techniques (radiation, photometry, HR diagram, variable stars, evolution of stars, stellar energy sources, telescopes); the Milky Way (evidence for present picture of the structure of the Milky Way, the influence of dust on observations, star-forming regions, interstellar molecules); galaxies and cosmology including classification and evolution of galaxies, Hubble's law, `missing mass' in galaxies, the nature of quasars and the possibility that black holes trigger their power output.
Assessment
Examinations (2 x 3 hrs): 67% * Laboratory work: 33%
Prescribed text
Zeilik M, Gregory S A and Smith E Introductory astronomy and astrophysics 3rd edn, Saunders, 1992.