| Semester 1, 2023 Online | |
| Units : | 2 |
| School or Department : | School of Mathematics, Physics & Computing |
| Grading basis : | Graded |
| Course fee schedule : | /current-students/administration/fees/fee-schedules |
Staffing
Course Coordinator:
Overview
This course forms a core coursework component for the Master of Science (Astronomy). The course provides an in-depth introduction to observational astronomy, 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. Topics include astronomical observing, astrometry, photometry, spectroscopy, telescopes, optics, detectors and data analysis. Additional topics develop technical skills through the use of assignments.
Course learning outcomes
On completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Introduce key concepts relating to observational astronomy;
- Apply quantitative methods to evaluate astronomical instruments and observations;
- Present the results of qualitative and quantitative analysis in observational astronomy;
- Discuss the practicalities of observational astronomy, telescopes and instrumentation;
- Communicate technical information regarding astronomical instruments.
Topics
| Description | Weighting(%) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Key concepts in observational astronomy | 10.00 |
| 2. | Quantitative methods in analysing astronomical observations | 10.00 |
| 3. | Presenting scientific results from astronomical observations | 10.00 |
| 4. | Comparing physical theory with astronomical observations | 10.00 |
| 5. | Communicating technical information regarding observations and instruments | 10.00 |
| 6. | Astronomical Observing | 10.00 |
| 7. | Observational Techniques | 10.00 |
| 8. | Telescopes | 10.00 |
| 9. | Optics | 10.00 |
| 10. | Astronomical Surveys | 10.00 |
Text and materials required to be purchased or accessed
Carroll, B W. & Ostlie, D A 2017, An Introduction to Modern Astrophysics, 2nd edn, Cambridge 精东传媒app Press, UK.
(ISBN 978-1-108-422161.)
(ISBN 978-1-108-422161.)
Students also will require email, web and UConnect access.
Assessment details
| Description | Group Assessment |
Weighting (%) | Course learning outcomes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Problem Solving 1 | No | 10 | 1,2,3 |
| Problem Solving 2 | No | 40 | 1,2,3 |
| Report | No | 50 | 1,2,3,4,5 |