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Overview

The PHYS2923: Astrophysics and Relativity (SSP) unit of study is designed for students with a strong interest in Physics who prefer a more open-ended approach to learning. This unit includes lectures on Special Relativity and Cosmology/Astrophysics, as well as a Research Project. The lectures cover topics such as Einstein's theory of special relativity, relative motion, twin paradox, Doppler shift, Lorentz transformations, spacetime and causality, relativistic momentum, relativistic kinetic energy, and mass as a measure of energy. In Cosmology/Astrophysics, students learn about cosmological models, the cosmological principle, the Friedmann equations, the Friedmann-Robertson-Walker metric, cosmological redshift, the cosmic microwave background radiation, the thermal history of the Universe, inflation, dark matter, and dark energy.

Unit Details and Rules

• Academic unit: Physics Academic Operations
• Credit points: 6
• Prerequisites: (80 or above in PHYS291X) or (an average mark of 80 from Physics 1000-level units)
• Corequisites: None
• Prohibitions: PHYS2013 or PHYS2913
• Assumed knowledge: (MATH1X21 or MATH1931 or MATH1X01 or MATH1906) and (MATH1X02) and (MATH1X23 or MATH1933 or MATH1X03 or MATH1907) and (MATH1X05)
• Available to study abroad and exchange students: Yes

Teaching Staff

• Coordinator: Scott Croom
• Lecturer(s): Tim Bedding, Scott Croom
• Project supervisor(s): Helen Johnston

Assessment

The assessment for this unit includes:

• Written exam: Final Examination (45%)
• Practical skill: SSP performance (15%)
• Experimental design: Research project plan (1%)
• Out-of-class quiz: Special relativity assignments (2.5% each)
• In-person written or creative task: Cosmology in-class quiz (5%)
• Presentation: SSP presentation (8%)
• Research analysis: SSP report (16%)
• Contribution: Tutorial and lecture attendance (5%)

Learning Support

• Simple extensions: Available for up to five calendar days
• Special consideration: For exceptional circumstances or essential commitments
• Using AI responsibly: Guidelines for the use of generative AI tools in assessments

Weekly Schedule

The weekly schedule includes:

• Ongoing: SSP project, regular meetings with supervisor, plus independent research
• Week 01: Introduction to SSP research projects, Special relativity
• Week 02-13: Special relativity, Cosmology, SSP project, and tutorials

Learning Outcomes

At the completion of this unit, students should be able to:

• LO1: Understand the key concepts in special relativity and cosmology
• LO2: Apply these concepts to develop models, and to solve qualitative and quantitative problems
• LO3: Carry out a research project under supervision
• LO4: Find and analyse information and judge its reliability and significance
• LO5: Communicate scientific information appropriately, both orally and through written work
• LO6: Demonstrate a sense of responsibility, ethical behaviour, and independence as a learner and as a scientist

Graduate Qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. These include:

• GQ1: Depth of disciplinary expertise
• GQ2: Critical thinking and problem-solving
• GQ3: Oral and written communication
• GQ4: Information and digital literacy
• GQ5: Inventiveness
• GQ6: Cultural competence
• GQ7: Interdisciplinary effectiveness
• GQ8: Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity
• GQ9: Influence

Additional Information

• Research projects can be in any area of physics, with potential supervisors and projects advertised near the start of semester.
• General Laboratory Safety Rules apply, including no eating or drinking in laboratories and following safety instructions.
• The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.