Course Title: Space Exploration

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Space Exploration

Credit Points: 12.00

Terms

Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

PHYS2182

City Campus

Undergraduate

171H School of Science

Face-to-Face

 Sem 1 2020,
Sem 2 2021,
Sem 2 2022,
Sem 2 2023,
Sem 2 2024

Course Coordinator: Brett Carter

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925

Course Coordinator Email: brett.carter@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Availability: By appointment, by email


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

Assumed Knowledge

To successfully complete this course, you are expected to have capabilities consistent with the completion of VCE Mathematics (Specialist or Methods) at a Year 12 level.


Course Description

Building on basic knowledge of the solar system, this course will take a closer look at the terrestrial planets and how they differ from the giant planets that orbit our Sun.  We will introduce the different spacecraft that have explored a wide range of astronomical bodies and the science behind their missions.  The course will include a large component based on human spaceflight missions including the effects of space on the human body, the documentation and planning required to conduct a mission in space and some of the spacecraft used for crewed missions.

This course will enable you to better understand the role of science and technology in exploring space, gain an understanding of the scientific process and recognise the importance of multidisciplinary teams for solving largescale technological challenges


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

This course contributes to the development of the following Program Learning Outcomes in BP330 Bachelor of Space Science:

PLO1: Apply a broad and coherent knowledge of scientific theories, principles, concepts and practices, relevant to the field of space science and technology with multi-disciplinary collaboration 

PLO2: Analyse and critically examine scientific evidence using methods, technical skills, tools and emerging technologies in a range of scientific activities.

PLO4: Communicate, report and reflect on scientific findings, to diverse audiences utilising a variety  of formats, employing integrity and culturally safe practices.


This course is a university elective.

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

  1. Discriminate the correct terminology for human spaceflight and crewed exploration of space.
  2. Select and critique appropriate spaceflight mission documents for specific scenarios.
  3. Effectively communicate using spaceflight voice protocols.
  4. Dispute popular urban myths about human spaceflight with scientific evidence.


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 Task 1: Online Tests
Weighting 30%
This assessment task supports CLOs 1-4

Assessment Task 2: Group Work
Weighting 30%
This assessment task supports CLOs 1-3

Assessment Task 3: Skills and Capabilities Assignment
Weighting 40%
This assessment task supports CLOs 1-4

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.