Program Overview

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Overview

The OLET1638 unit of study explores the lives of stars, leading some to explosive ends and the formation of a black hole. Students 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. The unit will cover the methodology and techniques of modern astronomy, especially astronomical spectroscopy, and include opportunities for day and 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): Manisha Caleb

Assessment

The assessment for this unit includes:

• Assignment: Tutorial 1 submission (6.25%)
• Assignment: Tutorial 2 submission (6.25%)
• Assignment: Tutorial 3 submission (6.25%)
• Assignment: Tutorial 4 submission (6.25%)
• Supervised exam: Final examination (50%)
• Assignment: Observing Online Activity worksheet (10%)
• Tutorial quiz: Mini-quizzes (5%)
• Tutorial quiz: Mastering Astronomy quizzes (10%)

Assessment Summary

• Embedded quizzes: Comprehension of the online material will be tested by brief, automatically marked, multiple-choice mini-quizzes.
• Mastering Astronomy quizzes: Longer quizzes to build understanding of aspects of the material with more complex questions incorporating hints, feedback, and multiple, automatically marked attempts.
• Tutorials: Students individually submit results from the weekly tutorial exercise, many of which use real astronomical data.
• Observing Online Activity worksheet: This worksheet aims to show how and where the astronomical objects described in this unit are visible in the night sky.
• Final examination: Understanding of key concepts of the unit is tested in an on-campus exam comprised of short answer questions.

Late Submission

In accordance with University policy, penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59 pm on the due date:

• Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
• After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic Integrity

The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously. The use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools is only permitted if approved by the unit coordinator, and their use must be acknowledged in the work.

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

The weekly schedule includes:

• Multiple weeks: Observing - Optional single session
• Week 01: Stellar Properties and Evolution
• Week 02: Late Stage Evolution and Supernovae
• Week 03: Neutron Stars
• Week 05: Black Holes and Gravitational Waves
• Week 06: Revision and Preparation for final exam

Learning Outcomes

At the completion of this unit, students 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. 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

Responding to Student Feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews. Changes for this year are University-wide, the most important being all examinations returning to on-campus, on-paper, supervised exams.

Additional Information

• Equity, Access, and Diversity statement: The School of Physics recognises that biases, bullying, and discrimination 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.