640-176 The Solar System and the Cosmos | |
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Credit Points | 12.5 |
HECS Band | 2 |
Coordinator | Dr R Webster |
Semester | 1 (view timetable) |
Contact | 36 lectures (three per week); 30 hours practical work (3 hours per week) |
Subject Description | Astronomy is one of the most rapidly changing branches of science. The latest results from the Hubble space telescope and other telescopes will be given. How they affect our understanding in a range of fascinating topics, such as black holes, other planets, comets and extraterrestrial life, will be discussed. Scientific methods used to investigate the solar system and the cosmos will be explained. Basic physical concepts required to understand the formation and evolution of our solar system, and also the structure of the universe on the largest scales, will be presented. Topics in cosmology will include 'Big Bang' models, the 'missing mass' problem, and the first few seconds of the universe. |
Assessment | A 3-hour end-of-semester written examination (75%); continuously assessed practical work (25%). |
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