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Unit of study_
OLET1640: Astronomy: from Big Bang to Darkness
2025 unit information
The theory and observations of modern cosmology have revolutionised our view of the universe in recent years. This unit of study explores the big picture of the expanding universe in which we live, where around 96% of its content is revealed but invisible to us! You will learn about the galaxies that are the visible signposts in the universe, the dark matter hiding within and around them, and the dark energy that must also be present to explain the distribution of mass and its motion in the universe on the largest scales. How do we know? How do we even measure distance on these scales? What does this tell us about the history of the universe and its fate? You will gain an appreciation and understanding of the methodology and techniques of modern astronomy that allow us to probe the universe across vast distances and times since the Big Bang and into the future. In doing this unit you will confront the challenging scientific and philosophical questions posed by our cosmological picture. The unit also includes opportunities for night observing sessions.
Unit details and rules
Managing faculty or University school:
Science
| Study level | Undergraduate |
|---|---|
| Academic unit | Physics Academic Operations |
| Credit points | 2 |
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Prerequisites:
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None |
|---|---|
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Corequisites:
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None |
| Prohibitions:
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PHYS1500 |
| Assumed knowledge:
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None |
At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:
- LO1. describe the make-up and characteristics of the Milky Way and external galaxies
- LO2. outline the essential elements of the Big Bang model
- LO3. carry out simulations to understand how spectroscopy is used to measure redshift, and apply this to demonstrate how distance and the expansion of the universe are measured
- LO4. outline the key pieces of evidence for the Big Bang model and the resulting history of universe
- LO5. explain the significance of observational constraints in models of the universe that predict the existence of dark matter and dark energy
- LO6. discuss the significance of modern cosmology to indigenous and modern astronomy, culture and our changing world view
- LO7. carry out simple observations of the planets and stars using an optical telescope to illustrate the central role of observation in astronomy.
Unit availability
This section lists the session, attendance modes and locations the unit is available in. There is a unit outline for each of the unit availabilities, which gives you information about the unit including assessment details and a schedule of weekly activities.
The outline is published 2 weeks before the first day of teaching. You can look at previous outlines for a guide to the details of a unit.
| Session | MoA ? | Location | Outline ? |
|---|---|---|---|
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Intensive May 2024
|
Block mode | Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney | |
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Intensive October 2024
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Block mode | Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney |
| Session | MoA ? | Location | Outline ? |
|---|---|---|---|
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Intensive May 2025
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Block mode | Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney |
Outline unavailable
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Intensive October 2025
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Block mode | Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney |
Outline unavailable
|
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Modes of attendance (MoA)
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