310267 (v.2) Relativistic Astrophysics and Cosmology 301

Area:	Department of Applied Physics
Credits:	25.0
Contact Hours:	4.0
The tuition pattern below provides details of the types of classes and their duration. This is to be used as a guide only. For more precise information please check your unit outline.
Lecture:	1 x 2 Hours Weekly
Tutorial:	1 x 1 Hours Weekly
Workshop:	1 x 1 Hours Weekly
Prerequisite(s):	8127 (v.6) Advanced Calculus 201 or any previous version AND 8142 (v.4) Physics 201 or any previous version
Syllabus:	This unit begins with a detailed, mathematical treatment of Einstein's special theory of relativity and its implications for observational astronomy. These include apparent superluminal motion in the jets of active galactic nuclei, Doppler boosting, stellar aberration and so on. This leads into a qualitative description of the structure of space-time and Einstein's general theory of relativity. Basic concepts such as the space-time metric and its curvature in the presence of mass or energy are introduced, but detailed mathematical details are left for 4th year units. Various cosmological concepts are discussed, including how the ultimate fate of the universe is linked to its energy density. Current models of the evolution of the universe are explored, including the idea of an inflationary period shortly after the big bang. Observational measurements of the rate of expansion of the universe throughout its history are discussed, including recent evidence that suggests the rate of expansion is accelerating.Sources of uncertainty in these data are also considered.
To ensure that the most up-to-date information about unit references, texts and outcomes appears, they will be provided in your unit outline prior to commencement.
Field of Education:	010303 Astronomy
SOLT (Online) Definitions*:	Essential *Extent to which this unit or thesis utilises online information
Result Type:	Grade/Mark

Availability

Year	Location	Period	Internal	Partially Online Internal	Area External	Central External	Fully Online
2009	Bentley Campus	Semester 1	Y

Area External refers to external course/units run by the School or Department or offered by research.

Central External refers to external and online course/units run through the Curtin Bentley-based Distance Education Area

Partially Online Internal refers to some (a portion of) learning provided by interacting with or downloading pre-packaged material from the Internet but with regular and ongoing participation with a face-to-face component retained. Excludes partially online internal course/units run through the Curtin Bentley-based Distance Education Area which remain Central External

Fully Online refers to the main (larger portion of) mode of learning provided via Internet interaction (including the downloading of pre-packaged material on the Internet). Excludes online course/units run through the Curtin Bentley-based Distance Education Area which remain Central External