Program Overview

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Overview

This unit of study explores the lives of the stars, leading some to explosive ends and the formation of a black hole. You will learn about the life cycle of a star from its birth in the interstellar medium to its fate as a stellar remnant - as a white dwarf, neutron star or perhaps a black hole. You will work with simulations to gain an appreciation and understanding of the methodology and techniques of modern astronomy, especially astronomical spectroscopy that allows us to measure the composition, physical state and motion of the stars. These measurements also reveal the extreme properties of stellar remnants. More recently, observations of gravitational waves have opened a new window on the universe, allowing us to study the merger of neutron stars. Our study of spectroscopic and gravitational wave observations of extreme environments will clearly illustrate how modern astronomy depends on advancing technology leading to new instrumentation and observational capabilities. The unit also includes opportunities for night observing sessions.

Unit Details and Rules

• Academic unit: Physics Academic Operations
• Credit points: 2
• Prerequisites: None
• Corequisites: None
• Prohibitions: PHYS1500
• Assumed knowledge: None
• Available to study abroad and exchange students: Yes

Teaching Staff

• Coordinator: John O'Byrne
• Lecturer(s): Courtney Crawford

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 4 April 2025

• Participation: Optional Observing - Optional night time observing using telescopes on the roof of SNH (0% weight, due multiple weeks, 2 hours)
• Tutorial quiz: End of week Quiz. Early Feedback task (5% weight, due Week 01, 10 MCQs)
• Supervised exam: Final examination - Written short answer exam (60% weight, due Week 06, 1 hour)
• Tutorial quiz: End of week Quiz - Review of online weekly material (15% weight, due weekly, 10 MCQs)
• Small continuous assessment: Tutorial submission - Summary of tutorial exercise (20% weight, due weekly, 1 hour)

Early Feedback Task

This unit includes an early feedback task, designed to give you feedback prior to the census date for this unit. Details are provided in the Canvas site and your result will be recorded in your Marks page.

Assessment Summary

• End of week Quizzes: Comprehension of the material is tested online each week by 10 question, automatically marked MCQ quizzes.
• Tutorials: Students individually submit a summary of the weekly tutorial exercise, many of which use real astronomical data.
• Optional Observing: This is an optional group activity to use optical telescopes on the roof of the Sydney Nanoscience Hub (SNH) to view the night sky.
• Final examination: Understanding of key concepts of the unit is tested in an on-campus exam comprised of short answer questions.

Learning Support

• Simple extensions: If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.
• Special consideration: If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Weekly Schedule

Week	Topic	Learning Activity	Learning Outcomes
Multiple weeks	Observing - Optional single session	Practical (2 hr)
Week 01	Stellar Properties and Evolution - Canvas pages	Online class (5 hr)	LO1 LO2 LO6
Week 01	Stellar Properties and Evolution - tutorial	Computer laboratory (1 hr)	LO1 LO2 LO4 LO6
Week 01	Stellar Properties and Evolution - lecture	Lecture (1 hr)	LO1 LO2 LO6
Week 02	Late Stage Evolution and Supernovae - Canvas pages	Online class (5 hr)	LO2 LO5
Week 02	Late Stage Evolution and Supernovae - tutorial	Computer laboratory (1 hr)	LO2 LO4 LO5
Week 02	Late Stage Evolution and Supernovae - lecture	Lecture (1 hr)	LO2 LO5
Week 03	Neutron Stars - Canvas pages	Online class (5 hr)	LO2 LO5 LO6
Week 03	Neutron Stars - tutorial	Computer laboratory (1 hr)	LO2 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 03	Neutron Stars - lecture	Lecture (1 hr)	LO2 LO5 LO6
Week 04	Black Holes and Gravitational Waves - Canvas pages	Online class (5 hr)	LO2 LO5 LO6
Week 04	Black Holes and Gravitational Waves - tutorial	Computer laboratory (1 hr)	LO2 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 04	Black Holes and Gravitational Waves - lecture	Lecture (1 hr)	LO2 LO5 LO6
Week 06	Revision and Preparation for final exam	Individual study (5 hr)	LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6

Learning Outcomes

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

• LO1: Compare and contrast the basic observable properties of stars and how they are measured
• LO2: Summarise the birth and evolutionary history of stars of various masses
• LO3: Discuss the indigenous astronomy context for modern stellar astronomy
• LO4: Carry out simulations to illustrate how spectra are used to determine properties of stars
• LO5: Compare and contrast the characteristics of exotic stellar remnants - white dwarfs, neutron stars or black holes
• LO6: Outline the significance of changing technology, in particular spectroscopy and gravitational wave observations, in observation of stars and stellar remnants
• LO7: Carry out simple observations of the planets and stars using an optical telescope to illustrate the central role of observation in astronomy.

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.

• 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

• Equity, Access and Diversity statement: The School of Physics recognises that biases, bullying and discrimination, including but not limited to those based on gender, race, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion and age, continue to impact parts of our community disproportionately.
• Work, health and safety: We are governed by the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 and Codes of Practice.
• Disclaimer: The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.