310266 (v.2) Physics of Stars and Galaxies 201

Area:	Department of Applied Physics
Credits:	25.0
Contact Hours:	3.5
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 2 Hours Fortnightly
Prerequisite(s):	8142 (v.4) Physics 201 or any previous version
Syllabus:	This unit begins with an overview of the nuclear reactions that produce energy in stars, showing that stellar nucleosynthesis and supernova explosions generate all the heavy elements in the universe. Stellar life cycles are explored in some detail, including the various culminating states (white dwarf, neutron star, black hole, etc.). Stellar formation is then described in the context of the large scale evolution of the universe following the Big Bang, from the formation of the first stars and galaxies through to galaxy clusters and interactions. Types of galaxies and their morphologies are discussed (spiral, elliptical, dwarf, etc), along with their evolution. The use of star clusters (both open and globular) as evolutionary microcosms is explored in detail, as is the motion of stars, dust and gas in galaxies (galactic dynamics). Finally, some modern astrophysical research topics are discussed. These include the dark matter problem and the presence of super-massive black holes in the cores of galaxies.
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 2	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