| Semester 1, 2023 Online | |
| Units : | 1 |
| School or Department : | School of Mathematics, Physics & Computing |
| Grading basis : | Graded |
| Course fee schedule : | /current-students/administration/fees/fee-schedules |
Staffing
Course Coordinator:
Requisites
Pre-requisite: PHY1104 and PHY1911
Overview
This course forms a core coursework component for the Bachelor of Science (Astronomical and Space Sciences). The course provides an in-depth introduction to observational astronomy, and the physical concepts and measurements used to understand a broad range of topics in modern astrophysics and uses assignments to develop more general knowledge and skills relating to physical measurements.
This course introduces the science, techniques and technology of observational astronomy and astrophysics. Topics include astronomical observing, astrometry, photometry, spectroscopy, telescopes, optics, detectors and data analysis. Additional topics develop technical skills through the use of assignments. Data obtained from UniSQ's Mt Kent Observatory is made available to students enrolled in this course, to provide an opportunity for learning practical skills used in astronomical and space sciences.
Course learning outcomes
On completion of this course students should be able to:
- Explain key concepts relating to astronomical techniques
- Apply quantitative methods to evaluate astronomical techniques
- Analyse qualitative and quantitative data in astronomical techniques
- Examine and assess the practicalities of observational astronomy, telescopes and instrumentation
- Review and report technical information regarding astronomical instruments
Topics
| Description | Weighting(%) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Key concepts in astronomical techniques | 20.00 |
| 2. | Presenting scientific results using astronomical techniques | 15.00 |
| 3. | Comparing theory with practical astronomical techniques | 13.00 |
| 4. | Communicating technical information regarding observations and instruments | 13.00 |
| 5. | Astronomical Observing | 13.00 |
| 6. | Observational Techniques | 13.00 |
| 7. | Telescopes | 13.00 |
Text and materials required to be purchased or accessed
(ISBN: 9781108422161.)
Student workload expectations
To do well in this subject, students are expected to commit approximately 10 hours per week including class contact hours, independent study, and all assessment tasks. If you are undertaking additional activities, which may include placements and residential schools, the weekly workload hours may vary.
Assessment details
| Description | Group Assessment |
Weighting (%) | Course learning outcomes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Problem Solving | No | 25 | 1,2,3,4 |
| Report | No | 25 | 4,5 |
| Time limited online examinatn | No | 50 | 1,2,3,4 |