Course Title: Astronomy and Black Holes

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Astronomy and Black Holes

Credit Points: 12.00

Terms

Course Code	Campus	Career	School	Learning Mode	Teaching Period(s)
PHYS2086	City Campus	Undergraduate	135H Applied Sciences	Face-to-Face	Sem 1 2006, Sem 2 2006, Sem 1 2007, Sem 2 2007, Sem 1 2008, Sem 2 2008, Sem 1 2009, Sem 2 2010, Sem 2 2011, Sem 2 2013, Sem 1 2015, Sem 1 2016
PHYS2086	City Campus	Undergraduate	171H School of Science	Face-to-Face	Sem 1 2017, Sem 1 2018, Sem 1 2019, Sem 1 2020
PHYS2159	Open Learning Australia	Non Award	171H School of Science	Internet	OUASP1UG17, OUASP3UG20

Course Coordinator: Dr. Martin Draganski

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 2149

Course Coordinator Email: martin.draganski@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: 14.06.02A

Course Coordinator Availability: By appointment

Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

Knowledge of Year 12 Mathematics is assumed.

Course Description

This course is a student elective for all programs at RMIT University. It provides an introduction to some of the key concepts in astronomy, astrophysics and cosmology. An understanding of stars, galaxies, black holes and the universe in general is developed. In addition, students are invited to research their own area of interest in astronomy to a depth dictated by their own ability.

Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

This course is a university elective. It contributes to any Program Learning Outcomes related to breadth of knowledge

After completing this course you will meet the following Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs):

1. have a basic level of knowledge in the areas of Astronomy, Astrophysics and Cosmology.
2. be able to solve simple problems in the areas of Astronomy, Astrophysics and Cosmology.
3. Improve communication and problem-solving skills when working in a group.
4. be able to conduct a small research topic and communicate a written report.

 

Overview of Learning Activities

You will learn by:

• attendance at lectures where the syllabus content will be introduced and student interaction with the material will be encouraged and directed (developing the knowledge capability dimension);

• participation in class discussion, where principles and concepts will be explored (developing the knowledge capability);

• undertaking set problems and exercises to develop familiarity with numerical calculations, and application of concepts to the solution of abstract problems (developing the technical and critical analysis and problem solving capabilities).

• undertaking a number of online tests, for feedback and assessment of their progress (developing the technical and critical analysis and problem solving capabilities);

• self-directed exploration of lecture material, texts, online and library resources;

• viewing demonstrations, videos or simulations of relevant physical scenarios to clarify analysis of them (developing the technical and critical analysis and problem solving capabilities);

• prepare for and undertake tests and assignments to assess their knowledge.

• participate in group work in order to solve a common task.

Total Study Hours

Teacher guided hours: 36

Learner directed hours: 84

 

 

Overview of Learning Resources

Many good references are available in the Library on the topics covered at this level. Particulars will be given out at the start of the course. You will be able to access lecture notes, course information and assorted learning materials through myRMIT

Overview of Assessment

Overview of Assessment

Note that: This course has no hurdle requirements.

Assessment will be through

Assessment Task 1: Virtual labs; project and report

Weighting: 14%

Assessment task addresses CLO 1,2, 4

 

Assessment Task 2: Group report

Weighting: 8%

Assessment task addresses CLO 1,2, 3, 4

 

Assessment Task 3: Major written assignment

Weighting: 35%

Assessment task addresses CLO 1, 4

 

Assessment Task 4: Online tests

Weighting: 43%

Assessment task addresses CLO 1, 2