310266 (v.2) Physics of Stars and Galaxies 201
| Area: | Department of Applied Physics |
|---|---|
| Credits: | 25.0 |
| Contact Hours: | 3.5 |
| Tuition Patterns: | The tuition pattern provides details of the types of classes and their duration. This is to be used as a guide only. Precise information is included in the 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. |
| Unit references, texts, outcomes and assessment details | The most up-to-date information about unit references, texts and outcomes, will be provided in the unit outline. |
| Field of Education: | 010303 Astronomy |
| Result Type: | Grade/Mark |
Availability
| Year | Location | Period | Internal | Partially Online Internal | Area External | Central External | Fully Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 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
