ASP3222

Physics for astrophysics

(SCI)

Dr Andrew Smith (School of Physics & Materials Engineering)

6 points + Three 1-hour lectures and an average of 0.6 hours tutorial and 1 hour laboratory per week + Second semester + Clayton + Prerequisites: PHS2011, PHS2022, MTH2010, MTH2032 + Recommended: ASP2022 + Prohibition: PHS3062

Synopsis: This unit consists of three 12-lecture sub-units and a 12-hour astrophysics laboratory component. The sub-units are: (1) Stellar atmospheres: features of spectra including line broadening and splitting which provide data on the characteristics of a star's atmosphere; (2) Elementary particles: spin, parity, isotopic spin, strangeness and baryon/lepton number, conservation laws of the fundamental interactions, symmetry theories; and (3) Nuclear physics: nuclear stability, shell model and angular momentum, radioactive decay selection rules, the neutrino and Fermi theory of beta decay, nuclear force; Astrophysics laboratory: analysis and simulation of trophysical phenomena.

Assessment: Examinations (4.5 hours at 1.5 hours each): 72% + Assignments: 18% + Laboratory: 10%