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 640-177 Stars and Galaxies

Credit Points

12.5

Coordinator

Dr R L Webster

Prerequisites

No formal prerequisite but a familiarity with basic physical concepts will be assumed.

Semester

2

Contact

36 lectures (three per week) and 33 hours practical work (three hours per week)

Subject Description

The application of scientific ideas to understanding objects halfway across the universe has been a great triumph of modern science. The constituents of our galaxy, in particular stars, pulsars, and supernovae, and the formation and evolution of stars and galaxies will be discussed. The final part of this subject will discuss the structures of different galaxies, the techniques used to study them, and in particular their central regions which sometimes include quasars. Particular emphasis will be given to the latest discoveries in these areas. Familiarity will basic physical concepts will be assumed.

Assessment

A 3-hour end-of-semester written examination (75%); continuously assessed practical work (25%).

Prescribed Texts

  • Morrison, Wolff and Fraknoi, Abell's Exploration of the Universe. 7th Ed..


Search : Index : Faculty of Science : Physics
Prev 640-176 The Solar System and the Cosmos
Next 640-221 Special Relativity (Advanced)
Status:                   Official 1998
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Email Enquiries:          Course_Information@registrar.unimelb.edu.au