ASTRONOMY AND SPACE: THE INFINITE FRONTIER
PHY1AST
2014
Credit points: 15
Subject outline
This introduction to contemporary astronomy and our developing understanding of the universe is appropriate for students from any background. Topics covered include our own solar system and the individual planets, through the galaxy to the distant features of the universe, star life, exotic objects such as quasars and black holes, cosmology and the big bang and astronomical instruments. Extensive use is made of multimedia presentations. In the astronomy project, students work as a team and develop oral presentation and relevant research skills. In daytime and evening viewing sessions, students develop basic experimental and problem-solving skills. In computer-based laboratories students simulate the role of practising astronomers and also have the opportunity to explore resources on the internet.
Faculty: Faculty of Science, Tech & Engineering
Credit points: 15
Subject Co-ordinator: David Hoxley
Available to Study Abroad Students: Yes
Subject year level: Year Level 1 - UG
Exchange Students: Yes
Subject particulars
Subject rules
Prerequisites: N/A
Co-requisites: N/A
Incompatible subjects: N/A
Equivalent subjects: PHY11AST, PHY12AST
Special conditions: N/A
Learning resources
Readings
| Resource Type | Title | Resource Requirement | Author and Year | Publisher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Readings | Astronomy today | Prescribed | Chaisson, E and McMillan S 2008 | 7TH ED, PEARSON INTERNATIONAL ED., ADDISON-WESLEY, HARLOW. |
| Readings | The southern sky guide | Recommended | Ellyard, D and Tirion, W 2001 | 2ND ED, CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY PRESS, CAMBRIDGE: NEW YORK |
Melbourne, 2014, Semester 2, Day
Overview
Online enrolment: Yes
Maximum enrolment size: N/A
Enrolment information:
Subject Instance Co-ordinator: David Hoxley
Class requirements
Collaborative Based LearningWeek: 31 - 43
Two 1.0 days collaborative based learning other recurrence on any day including weekend at night from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via face-to-face.
"Two night-time observing sessions."
Laboratory ClassWeek: 31 - 43
One 3.0 hours laboratory class per week on weekdays during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via face-to-face.
LectureWeek: 31 - 43
Two 1.0 hours lecture per week on weekdays during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via face-to-face.
Assessments
| Assessment element | Comments | % |
|---|---|---|
| one 2-hour examination | 50 | |
| practical work, written reports & poster presentation | 50 |