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Handbook 1997 : Faculty of Science : Physics

640-361 Astrophysics

Credit Points:

8.0

Coordinator:

Dr R Webster

Prerequisite/s:

At least two 220 or 240-series Physics subjects.

Timetable:

Semester 1

Contact:

20 lectures and 3 tutorials

Objectives:

By the end of this course the student should:

  • comprehend a wide variety of astrophysical topics and methods;

  • be able to apply these techniques to scientific problems in astrophysics;

  • appreciate some of the areas of current research interest.

Content:

Stars: magnitudes, colours, distances, masses, radii. Interstellar dust. Spectral classification of stars. Hertzsprung-Russell diagram. Stellar structure - polytrope model. Nuclear energy generation, energy transfer. Stellar evolution. Supernova. Supernova remnants: their energy sources and radiations. Galactic clusters, globular clusters, galaxies. Cosmological red shift, expansion of the universe. Most topics will be discussed in the context of basic 200-level physics.

Assessment:

A 2-hour end-of-semester written examination plus tests and/or assignments, set during the semester, which may account for up to 20% of the final mark.

Prescribed Texts:

  • Zeilik M and Smith E V P, Introductory Astronomy and Astrophysics, 2nd ed. Saunders.
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Handbook 1997 : Faculty of Science : Physics 
Status:                   OFFICIAL 1997
Last Modified:            Wednesday March 12 3:36 pm
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Authorised by:            Academic Registrar
Email Enquiries:          Course_Information@registrar.unimelb.edu.au
Copyright © University of Melbourne 1997.