Studying online

There are now 2 possible online modes for units:

Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.

Click on an offering mode for more details.

Unit Overview

Description

Stars undergo a life cycle starting as proto-stars forming from clouds of gas and dust, though main- and post-main-sequence stars with active nuclear fusion in their cores, to their final state as white dwarfs, supernovae, neutron stars and/or black holes. Understanding these stellar-mass objects and their life cycle is a frontier area of astrophysics research, and their observational study utilises techniques and facilities at the frontiers of astronomy.

In this unit, students will learn about (1) the astrophysics of stellar evolution, stellar objects and black holes; and (2) the astronomy techniques used to observe these and other systems. Regarding stellar-mass objects, topics covered will include the stellar birth and evolution; nuclear fusion in stellar cores; stellar structure; degeneracy pressure; white dwarfs, neutron stars and pulsar; supernovae, accretion physics; the theorised and observed physical characteristics of stellar-mass black holes; and tests of general relativity using binary neutron stars and black holes. Regarding astronomy techniques, topics covered will include radiative processes in astrophysics; modern optical and radio-astronomy techniques, and gravitational astronomy using gravity-wave detectors. Students will conduct an individual astronomy project using advanced robotic telescopes to study stellar-mass objects, and a class-based project on muon physics which offers the potential to test relativistic effects such as time dilation using cosmic rays generated by stellar astrophysical processes.

The final part of the unit is an individual research assignment culminating in a draft scientific paper in a form suitable for submission to a refereed journal.

Credit
6 points
Offering
(see Timetable)
AvailabilityLocationMode
Semester 1UWA (Perth)Face to face
Details for undergraduate courses
  • Level 2 core unit in the Frontier Physics major sequence
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) explain the physical principles underlying stellar astrophysics and astronomical techniques; (2) apply critical thinking skills to a range of astrophysical systems; (3) apply problem identification and mathematical techniques to solve problems in astrophysics; (4) demonstrate skills in measurement, experimental technique, quantitative analysis and data analysis relevant to astronomy and astrophysics; (5) demonstrate research skills relevant to the discipline of physics; and (6) write a scientific paper on a topic of interest in astronomy and astrophysics at the level of a draft paper for a scientific journal.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) in-semester tests and final examination; (2) project; and (3) research paper. Further information is available in the unit outline.

To pass this unit, a student must: (a) achieve an overall mark of 50 per cent or higher for the unit; and (b) achieve the requisite requirements(s) or a mark of 50 per cent or greater, whichever is higher and specified in the unit outline, for the project component.

Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit Coordinator(s)
Mr Matthew Young
Unit rules
Prerequisites

Course Enrolment in
the CM015 Bachelor of Science Frontier Physics and Master of Physics
or the MJD-FRODM Frontier Physics major
and PHYS1100 Classical and Frontier Physics
and PHYS1200 Modern and Frontier Physics
and
MATH1011 Multivariable Calculus
or MATX1011 Multivariable Calculus
and
MATH1012 Mathematical Theory and Methods
or MATX1012 Mathematical Theory and Methods
)
Co-requisites
PHYS2001 Quantum Physics and Electromagnetism and
MATH2501 Advanced Mathematical Methods
or MATH3023 Advanced Mathematics Applications
Incompatibility
PHYS3003 Astrophysics and Space Science
Contact hours
Practical Classes: 2-hours per week
Project/Lab Work: 3-hours per week
  • The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
  • All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
  • Visit the Essential Textbooks website to see if any textbooks are required for this Unit. The website is updated regularly so content may change. Students are recommended to purchase Essential Textbooks, but a limited number of copies of all Essential Textbooks are held in the Library in print, and as an ebook where possible. Recommended readings for the unit can be accessed in Unit Readings directly through the Learning Management System (LMS).
  • Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.