Skip to main content
Unit outline_

PHYS2923: Astrophysics and Relativity (SSP)

Semester 2, 2020 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Are you someone with a very strong interest in Physics who wants a more open-ended approach to your learning? This unit of study delves into Cosmology/Astrophysics, Special Relativity, and Laboratory Experimental Physics. In Special Relativity, you will learn about Einstein's theory of special relativity, relative motion, twin paradox, Doppler shift, Lorentz transformations, spacetime and causality, relativistic momentum, relativistic kinetic energy, and mass as a measure of energy. In Cosmology/Astrophysics, you will learn about cosmological models, the cosmological principle, the Friedmann equations, the Friedmann-Robertson-Walker metric, cosmological redshift, the cosmic microwave background radiation, big-bang nucleosynthesis, the thermal history of the Universe, inflation, dark matter and dark energy. Experimental Physics Laboratory will involve you performing experimental test and investigations of relevant topics in a mix of prescribed measurement exercises and open ended investigations, as well as the option of a research project. The lecture modules will be identical to PHYS2913 Astrophysics and Relativity (Advanced) but the labs will be different. The differentiation from PHYS2913 Astrophysics and Relativity (Advanced) is that Experimental Laboratory for PHYS2923 Astrophysics and Relativity (SSP) offers open-ended style, prescribed experiments in place of conventional prescribed exercises, as well as the option of doing a research style project (subject to not also choosing a 2nd research project in the Computational Lab of Phys2922 Physics 2B (SSP)).

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Physics Academic Operations
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
75 or above in (PHYS1003 or PHYS1004 or PHYS1902 or PHYS1904) and 75 or above in (PHYS1001 or PHYS1002 or PHYS1901 or PHYS1903 or PHYS2011 or PHYS2911 or PHYS2921).
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
PHYS2013 or PHYS2913
Assumed knowledge
? 

(MATH1X21 or MATH1931 or MATH1X01 or MATH1906) and (MATH1X02) and (MATH1X23 or MATH1933 or MATH1X03 or MATH1907) and (MATH1X05)

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Joe Khachan, joe.khachan@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Final exam (Open book) Type C final exam Final examination
Written exam
40% Formal exam period 2 hours
Outcomes assessed: LO5 LO7
Assignment Special relativity: written assignment 1
Special relativity: written assignment 1
3.7% Week 03 See Canvas
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO7 LO6 LO5 LO4 LO2
Assignment Special relativity: MasteringPhysics
Online Assignment
1.9% Week 05 See Canvas
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO7 LO6 LO5 LO4 LO2
Assignment Special relativity: written assignment 2 Part 1 (Mastering Physics)
Special relativity: written assignment 2 - part 2
2.4% Week 05 See Canvas
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO7 LO6 LO5 LO4 LO2
Assignment Cosmology assignment 1
Cosmology written assignment 1
3% Week 10 See Canvas
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Assignment group assignment Experimental physics Presentation/Report
Experimental physics Presentation/Report
17% Week 12 See Canvas
Outcomes assessed: LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Assignment Cosmology assignment 2
Cosmology written assignment 2
3% Week 12 See Canvas
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Creative assessment / demonstration Experiential physics
Experimental Laboratory Skills
25% Weekly See Canvas
Outcomes assessed: LO3 LO7 LO6 LO5 LO4
Assignment Cosmology post-lecture quizzes
Cosmology online quizzes
4% Weekly See Canvas
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO5
group assignment = group assignment ?
Type C final exam = Type C final exam ?

Assessment summary

  • Special relativity: written assignment: This will be a hard copy assignment submitted via Canvas.
  • Special relativity: MasteringPhysics: This will be completed in MasteringPhysics via Canvas.
  • Cosmology post-lecture quizzes: Short questions will be available on Canvas after lectures.
  • Experimental physics: The components of assessment for experimental physics labs are based on completing a minimum number of experiments during the semester, the standard to which those experiments are performed and written up, and on a written report and oral presentation on one experiment. For TSP students, part of experimental lab is replaced with doing a project in a research group. The detailed assessment arrangements for these different options will be provided in the first lab session and communicated via Canvas.
  • Final examination: The final examination is closed book and consists of two parts: Section A is on special relativity and is worth 20%; and section B is on cosmology and is worth 20%. Lists of physical constants and formulas needed are provided in the paper.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

At HD level, a student demonstrates a flair for the subject and comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the unit material. A ‘High Distinction’ reflects exceptional achievement and is awarded to a student who demonstrates the ability to apply subject knowledge to novel situations.

Distinction

75 - 84

At DI level, a student demonstrates an aptitude for the subject and a solid knowledge and understanding of the unit material. A ‘Distinction’ reflects excellent achievement and is awarded to a student who demonstrates an ability to apply the key ideas of the subject.

Credit

65 - 74

At CR level, a student demonstrates a good command and knowledge of the unit material. A ‘Credit’ reflects solid achievement and is awarded to a student who has a broad understanding of the unit material but has not fully developed the ability to apply the key ideas of the subject.

Pass

50 - 64

At PS level, a student demonstrates proficiency in the unit material. A ‘Pass’ reflects satisfactory achievement and is awarded to a student who has threshold knowledge of the subject.

Fail

0 - 49

When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm 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 Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

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.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

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.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Special relativity Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Lab introduction and registration Practical (3 hr) LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 02 Special relativity Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Special Relativity Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO6 LO7
Lab experiments Practical (3 hr) LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 03 Special relativity Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Special Relativity Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO6 LO7
Lab experiments Practical (3 hr) LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 04 Special relativity Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Special Relativity Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO6 LO7
Lab experiments Practical (3 hr) LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 05 Special relativity Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Special Relativity Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO6 LO7
Lab experiments Practical (3 hr) LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 06 Cosmology Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Special Relativity Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO6 LO7
Lab experiments Practical (3 hr) LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 07 Cosmology Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Cosmology Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO6 LO7
Lab experiments Practical (3 hr) LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 08 Cosmology Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Cosmology Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO6 LO7
Lab experiments Practical (3 hr) LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 09 Cosmology Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Cosmology Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO6 LO7
Lab experiments Practical (3 hr) LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 10 Cosmology Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Cosmology Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO6 LO7
Lab experiments Practical (3 hr) LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 11 Cosmology Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Cosmology Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO6 LO7
Lab experiments Practical (3 hr) LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 12 Cosmology Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Cosmology Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO6 LO7
Lab experiments Practical (3 hr) LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

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

  • LO1. understand the key concepts in special relativity and cosmology
  • LO2. apply these concepts to develop models, and to solve qualitative and quantitative problems in scientific and engineering contexts, using appropriate mathematical and computing techniques as necessary
  • LO3. understand the nature of scientific measurement, and skills in the measurement of physical quantities and the handling of data
  • LO4. find and analyse information and judge its reliability and significance
  • LO5. communicate scientific information appropriately, both orally and through written work
  • LO6. engage in team and group work for scientific investigations and for the process of learning
  • LO7. demonstrate a sense of responsibility, ethical behaviour and independence as a learner and as a scientist.

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. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

No changes have been made since this unit was last offered.

SPECIAL RELATIVITY

Concepts of classical relativity, special relativity, Einstein’s two
postulates, relative motion, twin paradox, Doppler shift, Lorentz
transformations, spacetime and causality, relativistic momentum,
relativistic kinetic energy, mass as a measure of energy.

COSMOLOGY

Historical and philosophical basis for cosmological models, the
cosmological principle, the Friedmann equations, the
Friedmann-Robertson-Walker metric, cosmological redshift, the
cosmic microwave background radiation, big-bang nucleosynthesis,
the thermal history of the Universe, inflation, dark matter and dark
energy.

RESEARCH PROJECT

If an SSP project was undertaken in place of the laboratory module, the assessment percentage of marks are the same as those for the laboratory module. In addition, students undertaking the research project must also do the first laboratory experiment.

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. Penalties for non-compliance have increased. Everyone has a responsibility for health and safety at work. The University’s Work Health and Safety policy explains the responsibilities and expectations of workers and others, and the procedures for managing WHS risks associated with University activities. 

General Laboratory Safety Rules

  • No eating or drinking is allowed in any laboratory under any circumstances
  • A laboratory coat and closed-toe shoes are mandatory
  • Follow safety instructions in your manual and posted in laboratories
  • In case of fire, follow instructions posted outside the laboratory door
  • First aid kits, eye wash and fire extinguishers are located in or immediately outside each laboratory
  • As a precautionary measure, it is recommended that you have a current tetanus immunisation. This can be obtained from University Health Service: unihealth.usyd.edu.au/

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.