Outline

Overview

Looking at the sky it is easy to forget our Sun and the stars are continuous giant nuclear explosions, or that nebulas are vast fields of ionized gases, all obeying the same laws of physics as anything else in the universe. Astrophysics gives us great insight in the larger structures of the universe, and plasma physics is key to understanding matter in space, but also in fusion reactors or for advanced material processing. This selective unit in the physics major will provide an introduction to astrophysics and plasma physics, complemented with experimental labs. You will study three key concepts in astrophysics: the physics of radiation processes, stellar evolution, and binary stars. You will gain understanding of the physics of fundamental phenomena in plasmas and apply basic methods of theoretical and experimental plasma physics. The advanced stream goes into more depth in the coursework has more open-ended experimental physics projects: You will learn and apply new experimental and data analysis techniques by designing and carrying out in-depth experimental investigations on selected topics in physics, with expert tutoring. In completing this unit you will gain understanding of the foundations of modern physics and develop skills in experimental physics, measurement, and data analysis.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Physics Academic Operations
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	[An average mark of 70 or above in (PHYS2011 or PHYS2911 or PHYS2921) AND (PHYS2012 or PHYS2912 or PHYS2922)]
Corequisites ?	PHYS3035 OR PHYS3935 OR PHYS3040 OR PHYS3940 OR PHYS3941
Prohibitions ?	PHYS3037 or PHYS3042 or PHYS3043 or PHYS3044 or PHYS3942 or PHYS3943 or PHYS3944
Assumed knowledge ?	(MATH2021 OR MATH2921 OR MATH2061 OR MATH2961 OR MATH2067)
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Sergio Leon-Saval, sergio.leon-saval@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Iver Cairns, iver.cairns@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Helen Johnston, h.johnston@sydney.edu.au

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Supervised exam ?	Final exam Final exam	45%	Formal exam period	2 hours
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Peer review of experimental physics report Written assessment	1%	Formal exam period Due date: 19 Nov 2023 at 23:59	Lab report rubric and several pages
Outcomes assessed:
Small continuous assessment	Astrophysics computer labs Computer laboratory participation	5%	Multiple weeks	1 hour
Outcomes assessed:
Small test	Plasma physics online quizzes Online quiz	5%	Multiple weeks	Not timed
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Astrophysics assignment Written assessment	5%	Week 06 Due date: 10 Sep 2023 at 23:59	5 pages
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Problem assignment Written assessment	10%	Week 09 Due date: 08 Oct 2023 at 23:59	10 pages
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Plasma physics assignment Written assessment	5%	Week 12 Due date: 29 Oct 2023 at 23:59	5 pages
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Experimental physics report Written assessment	9%	Week 13 Due date: 05 Nov 2023 at 23:59	4 pages
Outcomes assessed:
Skills-based evaluation	Experimental physics logbook Practical assessment	15%	Weekly	Variable
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ?

Assessment summary

Assignments: There are three coursework assignments in this unit, one per module, and one larger problem assignment using aspects
of both modules. Students are encouraged to start early on the problem assignment, as they will be able to solve aspects from it as early as it is released.
Plasma physics online quizzes: There will be compulsory online lectures and a small quiz before each lecture starting from week 7; material covered in lectures will assume the reading has been done and will be part lecture, part tutorial. Each lecture's pre-reading quizzes will need to be completed by beginning of the lecture.
Astrophysics computer labs: Students only need to attend one lab session. Each lab consists of three checkpoints, all checkpoints must be handed in and marked off by the following lab session.
Experimental physics lab books: Every student will carry out two experiments. At least one experiment has to be from the advanced experiment pool.
Experimental physics report and peer review: Students will be required to write up one report on one of the experiments completed, based on the material already in their logbook. Reports are to be written in the style of a scientific paper in a specific journal.
Final exam: The final exam will have questions covering all coursework aspects of this course (astrophysics and plasma physics), and will be entirely paper-based. This is a closed book exam. The final exam is compulsory. Failure to submit will result in an absent fail grade (AF) for the unit.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

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.

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.

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
Week 01	1. Astrophysics: astronomical units and conventions; 2. Introduction to radiation; 3. Radiation processes: intensity and brightness, emission, and absorption; 4. Optical depth, sources of radiation, blackbody radiation	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 01	Experimental physics lab	Science laboratory (4 hr)
Week 02	1. Astrophysics: atomic processes and the formation of spectral lines; 2. Stellar structure: equations for stellar structure and timescales; 3. The virial theorem; 4. The main sequence: nuclear processes, H and He burning	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
Week 02	Experimental physics lab	Science laboratory (4 hr)
Week 03	1. Astrophysics: stellar evolution 1: low-mass stars; 2. Stellar evolution 2: massive stars and convection	Lecture (3 hr)
	Astrophysics computer lab 1: radiative transfer and the Saha and Boltzmann equations	Computer laboratory (1 hr)
	Experimental physics lab	Science laboratory (4 hr)
Week 04	1. Astrophysics: supernovae: core collapse, SN1987A; 2. Stellar remnants: white dwarfs, neutron stars, and black holes	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
	Astrophysics computer lab 2: stellar structure	Computer laboratory (1 hr)
	Experimental physics lab	Science laboratory (4 hr)
Week 05	1. Astrophysics: binary stars: interacting binaries and gravity in a rotating reference frame; 2. Accretion energy: mass transfer and the Eddington rate	Lecture (3 hr)
	Astrophysics computer lab 3: stellar evolution	Computer laboratory (1 hr)
	Experimental physics lab	Science laboratory (4 hr)
Week 06	Astrophysics: binary evolution	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
	Astrophysics computer lab 4: Roche potentials	Computer laboratory (1 hr)
	Experimental physics lab	Science laboratory (4 hr)
Week 07	1. Plasma physics: introduction; 2. Definition of a plasma; 3. Concept of temperature; 4. Debye shielding; 5. Applications of plasma physics; 6. Single-particle motions; 7. Uniform E and B fields; 8. Non-uniform E and B fields	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 07	Experimental physics lab	Science laboratory (4 hr)
Week 08	1. Plasma physics: adiabatic invariants, and plasmas as fluids; 2. The fluid equation of motion; 3. Fluid drifts perpendicular to B; 4. Fluid drifts parallel to B	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
Week 08	Experimental physics lab	Science laboratory (4 hr)
Week 09	1. Plasma physics: waves in plasmas; 2. Electron plasma waves; 3. Ion acoustic waves; 4. Dispersion relations; 5. Plasma waves parallel and perpendicular to magnetic fields	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 09	Experimental physics lab	Science laboratory (4 hr)
Week 10	1. Plasma physics: plasma waves; 2. EM waves with B=0; 3. Electrostatic waves with B=0; 4. EM waves with finite B; 5. Propagation parallel and perpendicular to B; 6. Resonances and cutoffs; 7. Gaseous electronics; 8. Mean free path; 9. Ionization; 10. Recombination; 11. Diffusion; 12. Paschen’s law	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
Week 10	Experimental physics lab	Science laboratory (4 hr)
Week 11	1. Plasma physics: the sheath; 2. The child-langmuir law; 3. Bohm speed; 4. Plasma potential; 5. Langmuir probes; 6. Magnetohydrodynamics; 7. Plasma pressure; 8. Plasma stability	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 11	Experimental physics lab	Science laboratory (4 hr)
Week 12	1. Plasma physics: plasma distribution function; . Kinetic theory and the Vlasov equation; Landau damping; The Boltzmann equation; Revision	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
Week 12	Experimental physics lab	Science laboratory (4 hr)
Week 13	1. Plasma physics: plasma distribution function; . Kinetic theory and the Vlasov equation; Landau damping; The Boltzmann equation; Revision	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
Week 13	Experimental physics lab	Science laboratory (4 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. demonstrate an understanding of key concepts in two areas of physics: astrophysics and plasma physics
LO2. apply these concepts to develop models, and to solve qualitative and quantitative problems in scientific contexts, using appropriate mathematical and computing techniques as necessary
LO3. design experiments to measure specific effects
LO4. compare and critique experimental approaches
LO5. communicate scientific information appropriately, through written work
LO6. analyse a physical problem in plasma physics and astrophysics develop a formalism appropriate for solving it
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
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

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

PHYS3937: Plasma and Astrophysics (Advanced)

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