Outline

Overview

Are you someone with a very strong interest in Physics who wants a more open-ended approach to your learning? This unit of study includes lectures on Special Relativity and Cosmology/Astrophysics, and also includes a Research Project. 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, the thermal history of the Universe, inflation, dark matter and dark energy. The lecture modules will be identical to PHYS2913 Astrophysics and Relativity (Advanced). There is no Experimental Laboratory component for PHYS2923. Instead, students carry out a Research Project with researchers in one of the School's research groups.

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	Theresa Fruth, theresa.fruth@sydney.edu.au
Laboratory supervisor(s)	Scott Croom, scott.croom@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Tim Bedding, tim.bedding@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Scott Croom, scott.croom@sydney.edu.au
Project supervisor(s)	Helen Johnston, h.johnston@sydney.edu.au

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Supervised exam ?	Final examination Written exam	40%	Formal exam period	2 hours
Outcomes assessed:
Small continuous assessment	SSP performance Performance during the research project.	16%	Ongoing	See Canvas
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Special relativity: assignment 1 online Mastering Physics	4%	Week 05 Due date: 28 Aug 2023 at 23:59	See Canvas
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Special relativity: assignment 2 online Mastering Physics	3%	Week 07 Due date: 11 Sep 2023 at 23:59	See Canvas
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Special relativity: assignment 3 written assignment	3%	Week 08 Due date: 18 Sep 2023 at 23:59	See Canvas
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Cosmology assignment 1 Cosmology written assignment 1	3%	Week 10 Due date: 15 Oct 2023 at 23:59	See Canvas
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	SSP presentation presentation for research project	8%	Week 12	See Canvas
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Cosmology assignment 2 Cosmology written assignment 2	3%	Week 13 Due date: 05 Nov 2023 at 23:59	See Canvas
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	SSP report report on research project	16%	Week 13 Due date: 05 Nov 2023 at 23:59	see Canvas
Outcomes assessed:
Small test	Cosmology post-lecture quizzes Cosmology online quizzes	4%	Weekly	See Canvas
Outcomes assessed:

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. The final exam is compulsory. Failure to submit will result in an absent fail grade (AF) for the unit.

Final exam: If a second replacement exam is required, this exam may be delivered via an alternative assessment method, such as a viva voce (oral exam). The alternative assessment will meet the same learning outcomes as the original exam. The format of the alternative assessment will be determined by the unit coordinator.

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.

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.  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.

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Ongoing	research project	Project (25 hr)
Week 01	Special relativity	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	Special relativity	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 03	Special relativity	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 04	Special relativity	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 05	Special relativity	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 06	Special Relativity	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 07	Cosmology	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 08	Cosmology	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 09	Cosmology	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 10	Cosmology	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 11	Cosmology	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 12	Cosmology	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 13	Cosmology	Lecture (2 hr)

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

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.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

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. carry out a research project under supervision
LO4. find and analyse information and judge its reliability and significance
LO5. communicate scientific information appropriately, both orally and through written work
LO6. 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
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

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

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

Additional information

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
Closed-toe shoes are mandatory
Follow safety instructions in your manual, posted in laboratories, and from staff.
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.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect

Current students

PHYS2923: Astrophysics and Relativity (SSP)

Semester 2, 2023 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect