Handbook - Astrophysics

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Overview

The stars form the basic building blocks of our Galaxy, and make up one of the fundamental scales on which structure is found in the Universe. This course provides an introduction to the physics of stars, galaxies and the universe. The aim is to give students an introduction to our state of knowledge about these fundamental astronomical objects, what they contain, their physical parameters, how they function and how they evolve. The basic mathematical formalism governing the physics of is presented, though the detailed solution of the equations is not attempted. Topics to be covered include: Galaxies, their composition. The distance scale. Large-scale structure of the universe. Galaxy evolution. Stellar radiation, spectra classification. Hertzsprung Russell diagrams, determination of stellar masses and radii. Equations of stellar structure. Energy sources in star: nuclear reaction cycles, energy transport, equations of state, degeneracy, opacity. Properties of main sequence stars: stellar evolution, structure of red giants and white dwarfs. The solar atmosphere.

Conditions for Enrolment

Prerequisite: (MATH2069 or MATH2011 or MATH2111) and (PHYS2111 or PHYS2110). Exclusions: PHYS2160, PHYS3160

Exclusion Courses

Course

PHYS2160

PHYS2160 - Astronomy

Delivery

In-person - Standard (usually weekly or fortnightly)

Please note that the above delivery information is an indication on how this course may be delivered within the year. Delivery mode(s) for each term can be viewed on other sources such as myUNSW and class timetable site.

This Handbook is a comprehensive catalogue of our offerings and includes courses that can be taken to satisfy program requirements irrespective as to their availability for a particular year. Availability of courses is best checked using filters on this site or on the class timetable site.

Course Outline

To access course outline please visit below link (Please note that access to UNSW Canberra course outlines requires VPN):

PHYS3116 Course Outline

Fees

Type	Amount
Commonwealth Supported Students (if applicable)	$1003
Domestic Students	$6090
International Students	$6090

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Pre-2019 Handbook Editions

Access past handbook editions (2018 and prior)

Pre-2019 Handbook Editions