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

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

No enforced requisites.

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.

Course Learning Outcomes

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

The learning activities in this course will include:

  • Recorded lectures where material will be presented and explained, and the subject will be illustrated with demonstrations and examples.
  • group exercises and interactive activities that reinforce the importance of clear scientific communication.
  • private study, working through the theory as presented in course material, available texts and notes.
  • online assignments designed to probe an understanding of presented concepts, and to give feedback on student progress and understanding.

 

 


Overview of Learning Resources

By participating in this course, you will be expected to download a copy of the course material from Canvas and have access to the library and internet for research and/or video resources. A list of useful website links and library resources will be provided.


Overview of Assessment

Note that:

This course has no hurdle requirements.

Assessment Tasks

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

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

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