Area: | Department of Applied Physics |
Credits: | 12.5 |
Contact Hours: | 2.0 |
Lecture: | 2 x 1 Hours Weekly |
Prerequisite(s): | 8648 (v.3) Mathematical Methods 201 or any previous version
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Syllabus: | Background astronomy, distance measurement, celestial coordinates, luminosity, magnitude scale, spectra and classification. Hertsprung-Russell diagram. Astronomical and Astrophysical Resources - print and electronic form and assessment of reliability of resources. Stellar structure. Stellar models. Hydrostatic equilibrium. Radiation and energy transport. Stellar evolution. Nuclear burning stages. Protostarts. Main sequence stars. Red Giants, white dwarfs, neutron stars and black holes. Chandrasekhar limiting mass. Nucleosynthesis. Suess Urey curve. Historical theories. B2FH model. H, He and C burning. s- and r- processes. Heavy and light element synthesis. Experimental evidence from isotope abundance in meteorites. Implications for cosmology. |
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Unit Outcomes: | On successful completion of this unit students will be able to interpret, analyse and synthesise fundamental astronomy and astrophysics concepts. They will have the skills to locate and evaluate astrophysics resources and references in printed and electronic form and their interest and understanding of physics will increase in the application of it to astronomical phenomena and processes. |
Texts and references listed below are for your information only and current as of September 30, 2003. Some units taught offshore are modified at selected locations. Please check with the unit coordinator for up-to-date information and approved offshore variations to unit information before finalising study and textbook purchases. |
Unit References: | No prescribed references. |
Unit Texts: | Prialnik, D., 2000, 'An Introduction to the Theory of Stellar Structure and Evolution', Cambridge University Press, England. |
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Unit Assessment Breakdown: | Assignment 1 25%. Assignment 2 25%. Final Examination 50%. |
Field of Education: | 19900 Other Natural and Physical Sciences (Narrow Grouping) | HECS Band (if applicable): | 2 |
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Extent to which this unit or thesis utilises online information: | Informational | Result Type: | Grade/Mark |
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Availability
| Year | Location | Period | Internal | Area External | Central External | | 2004 | Bentley Campus | Semester 1 | Y | | |
Area
External | refers to external course/units run by the School or Department, offered online or through Web CT, or offered by research. |
Central
External | refers to external course/units run through the Curtin Bentley-based Distance Education Area |
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