phy1ast astron
ASTRONOMY AND SPACE: THE INFINITE FRONTIER
PHY1AST
2017
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.
SchoolSchool of Molecular Sciences/LIMS
Credit points15
Subject Co-ordinatorDavid Hoxley
Available to Study Abroad StudentsYes
Subject year levelYear Level 1 - UG
Exchange StudentsYes
Subject particulars
Subject rules
PrerequisitesN/A
Co-requisitesN/A
Incompatible subjectsN/A
Equivalent subjects PHY11AST, PHY12AST
Special conditionsN/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 |
Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes
01. Conduct and document observations of the night sky with the unaided eye or employing a small telescope.
- Activities:
- Observing nights, Home observing exercises
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking,Quantitative Literacy)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
02. Use computer equipment to conduct simulations of an astronomical observation session.
- Activities:
- Practical work in the physics laboratory
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking,Quantitative Literacy)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Discipline -Specific Knowledge and Skills(Discipline-Specific Knowledge and Skills)
03. Analyse astronomical data collected in observations or in a computer-simulated environment or presented in diagrammatic form.
- Activities:
- Written reports of Observing nights and practical laboratory work
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking,Quantitative Literacy)
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking,Quantitative Literacy)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Discipline -Specific Knowledge and Skills(Discipline-Specific Knowledge and Skills)
04. Recognise and describe, qualitatively and quantitatively, the behaviour and physical properties of celestial objects and phenomena.
- Activities:
- Written reports of Observing nights and practical laboratory work,
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking,Quantitative Literacy)
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking,Quantitative Literacy)
- Discipline -Specific Knowledge and Skills(Discipline-Specific Knowledge and Skills)
05. Communicate verbally and using visual aids within the peer group using correct terms and concepts to describe astronomical phenomena
- Activities:
- Astronomy project
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking,Quantitative Literacy)
- Discipline -Specific Knowledge and Skills(Discipline-Specific Knowledge and Skills)
Subject options
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Melbourne, 2017, Semester 2, Day
Overview
Online enrolmentYes
Maximum enrolment sizeN/A
Enrolment information
Subject Instance Co-ordinatorDavid Hoxley
Class requirements
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.
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.
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."
Assessments
| Assessment element | Comments | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|
| one x 2-hour written examination | 50 | 03, 04 | |
| eight written laboratory reports (equivalent 1200 words) | 25 | 01, 02, 03, 04, 05 | |
| one poster presentation (equivalent 500 words) | 10 | 05 | |
| two written reports summarizing observing activities (equivalent total 600 words) | 15 | 03, 04 |