Program Overview

---

Overview

The PHYS4122 unit provides an advanced-level treatment of three major topics in astrophysics: the formation and evolution of galaxies, the structure and morphology of galaxies, and the physics of plasma in our Solar System. Students will learn about the behaviour of gas and plasma throughout the Universe and their effect on phenomena from galaxy structure to space weather.

Unit Details and Rules

• Academic unit: Physics Academic Operations
• Credit points: 6
• Prerequisites: An average of at least 65 in 144 cp of units
• Corequisites: None
• Prohibitions: None
• Assumed knowledge: A major in physics
• Available to study abroad and exchange students: Yes

Teaching Staff

• Coordinator: Bruce Yabsley
• Lecturer(s): Iver Cairns, Jonathan Bland-Hawthorn, Jesse Van de Sande

Assessment

Assessment Summary

• Quiz 1: Tests understanding of material covered in lectures
• Quiz 2: Tests understanding of material covered in lectures
• Quiz 3: Tests understanding of material covered in lectures
• Assignment 1: Applies information from lectures and reading to solve worked problems
• Assignment 2: Applies information from lectures and reading to solve worked problems
• Computer lab quiz: Applies information from lectures to solve quantitative problems in a lab setting
• In-semester test: Covers material from the first section of the unit
• Final exam: Covers material from the final two sections of the unit

Assessment Criteria

• High Distinction: 85-100, demonstrates a flair for the subject and comprehensive knowledge
• Distinction: 75-84, demonstrates an aptitude for the subject and solid knowledge
• Credit: 65-74, demonstrates a good command of the unit material
• Pass: 50-64, demonstrates proficiency in the unit material
• Fail: 0-49, does not meet the learning outcomes of the unit

Learning Support

Simple Extensions

If a problem is encountered submitting work on time, a simple extension of five calendar days may be applied for.

Special Consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean an assessment cannot be completed, consideration for a longer period of time or special arrangements may be eligible.

Weekly Schedule

Week	Topic	Learning Activity	Learning Outcomes
Week 01	Physics of plasma in our Solar System	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)	LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 02	Physics of plasma in our Solar System	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)	LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 03	Physics of plasma in our Solar System	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)	LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 04	Physics of plasma in our Solar System	Lecture and tutorial (1 hr)	LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 06	Big Bang, Inflation, and Cosmology	Lecture and tutorial (2 hr)	LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 08	Cosmological Perturbations and Dark Matter Halos	Lecture and tutorial (2 hr)	LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 09	Formation of First Stars and First Galaxies	Lecture and tutorial (2 hr)	LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 10	Galaxies Demographics	Lecture and tutorial (2 hr)	LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 11	Galaxy Dynamics	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)	LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 12	Star formation and Stellar Populations	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)	LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 13	Seminar presentations by HDR students	Seminar (2 hr)	LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4

Learning Outcomes

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

• LO1: Demonstrate understanding of the physics underlying astrophysical situations
• LO2: Synthesise knowledge from the undergraduate syllabus and apply physics knowledge and mathematical skills to solve astrophysical problems
• LO3: Evaluate different theoretical models applying to a system and assess the applicability of these models
• LO4: Analyse astrophysical observations and numerical simulations to construct a physical model for an astrophysical system

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. There have been some changes to the schedule since this unit was last offered. The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers. This unit of study outline was last modified on 15 Feb 2023.