Course Title: Astrophysics and Cosmology

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Astrophysics and Cosmology

Credit Points: 12.00

Terms

Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

PHYS2067

City Campus

Undergraduate

135H Applied Sciences

Face-to-Face

 Sem 2 2006,
Sem 1 2007,
Sem 2 2009,
Sem 1 2013

PHYS2067

City Campus

Undergraduate

171H School of Science

Face-to-Face

 Sem 2 2022,
Sem 2 2023

Course Coordinator: Professor Salvy Russo

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 2601

Course Coordinator Email: salvy.russo@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Availability: Email for appointment


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

 

Required Prior Study

You should have satisfactorily completed following course/s before you commence this course.

Alternatively, you may be able to demonstrate the required skills and knowledge before you start this course.

Contact your course coordinator if you think you may be eligible for recognition of prior learning.


Course Description

This course is an introduction to Astrophysics and Cosmology using mathematical principles and is aimed at students with strong physics and maths background. The course will provide an introduction to stellar astrophysics (the properties, lifecycle and evolution of stars) and cosmology (the structure and evolution of the universe). You will be exposed to current theories, and how to apply these theories to solve problems relating to astrophysics and cosmology. This course will make you well prepared to pursue further studies in astrophysics, cosmology and space science.


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

Program Learning Outcomes

This course contributes to the program learning outcomes for the following programs:

BP330 - Bachelor of Space Science

as well as the Specialist Physics minor in 

BP350 – Bachelor of Science

For more information on the program learning outcomes for your program, please see the program guide. 


Upon successful completion of this course you will be able to:

  1. Explain how stars evolve, and be able to relate physical properties to each stage of the stellar lifecycle.
  2. Apply basic mathematical models to explain how and why stars evolve.
  3. Explain current cosmological models of the universe with the aid of mathematical models.
  4. Explain basic cosmological models to predict the age and structure of the universe for various geometries.
  5. Communicate the results through written reports.

 


Overview of Learning Activities

 

You will be actively engaged in a range of learning activities such as lectorials, tutorials, practicals, laboratories, seminars, project work, class discussion, individual and group activities. Delivery may be face to face, online or a mix of both. 

You are encouraged to be proactive and self-directed in your learning, asking questions of your lecturer and/or peers and seeking out information as required, especially from the numerous sources available through the RMIT library, and through links and material specific to this course that is available through myRMIT Studies Course


Overview of Learning Resources

 

RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through myRMIT Studies Course. 

There are services available to support your learning through the University Library. The Library provides guides on academic referencing and subject specialist help as well as a range of study support services. For further information, please visit the Library page on the RMIT University website and the myRMIT student portal.


Overview of Assessment

Assessment Tasks

Assessment item 1: Formative online quizzes
Weighting 25%
This assessment item supports CLOs 1 and 4

Assessment item 2: Lectorial and Tutorial Problem Solving
Weighting 15%
This assessment item supports CLOs 1 - 5

Assessment item 3: In-class test
Weighting 30%
This assessment item supports CLOs 1 - 5

Assessment item 4: End of semester test
Weighting 30%
This assessment item supports CLOs 1 - 5

If you have a long-term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program coordinator or Equitable Learning Services if you would like to find out more.