ASP1010 · Earth to cosmos: Introductory astronomy

Overview

This unit focuses on concepts that will allow you to gain understanding of key astrophysical phenomena. The topics covered include the night sky, the historical development of astronomical knowledge, our solar system, comets and asteroids, the sun, exoplanets, other stars, stellar remnants such as black holes, the Milky Way, other galaxies, quasars, dark matter, and cosmology in general.

Areas of study: Astrophysics Physics

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook lists an examination for this unit.

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

The Handbook lists no prerequisite, corequisite or prohibition for this unit.

Learning outcomes

1. Describe the evolution and general properties of planets, solar systems, stars, and galaxies;
2. Explain celestial and planetary motions across the night sky using naked eye observations;
3. Describe the scale of the universe and discuss Earth's place within it;
4. Explain how telescopes work and be able to distinguish between the different types of instruments used for astronomical observations;
5. Demonstrate ability to analyse and solve problems using quantitative and qualitative analysis.

Workload

The workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours spread across the semester (roughly 12 hours per week). Learning activities comprise a mixture of instructor directed, peer directed and self-directed learning, which includes face-to-face and online engagement including online videos and materials.

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.