Monash University Handbook 2010 Undergraduate - Unit

ASP3222 - Physics for astrophysics

This unit consists of three lecture sub-units and a practical component:

Nuclear physics: nuclear stability, shell model and angular momentum, radioactive decay selection rules, the neutrino and Fermi theory of beta decay, nuclear force;
Evolution of massive stars and synthesis of chemical elements; creation of supernova remnants and neutron stars, and types of continuum and line emission produced; interpreting X-ray spectra in relation to physical and chemical properties of these objects;
Elementary particles: spin, parity, isotopic spin, strangeness and baryon/lepton number, conservation laws of the fundamental interactions, symmetry theories.

On completion of this unit, students will be able to:

describe nuclear systematics, nuclear models and nuclear structure;
understand the evolution and nucleosynthesis in massive stars; continuum radiation, collisional plasmas and atomic line emission in X-ray band from supernova remnants; nuclear processes as the supernova shock wave propagates through the star;
relate observed X-ray spectra to structure and dynamics of supernova remnants and neutron stars:
describe the properties of elementary particles, their interactions and role in cosmological evolution;
undertake computation and analysis quantifying nuclear, stellar and particle properties;
present results, analysis and critical discussion based on a selected astrophysics topic.

Examinations (4.5 hours at 1.5 hours each): 72%
Assignments and Practical: 28%

Three 1-hour lectures and an average of 2 hours tutorial/practical per week