Modern astrophysics covers a vast range of scales, from processes within the Solar System which allow for direct testing, to processes that take place in distant places and times, such as the formation of galaxies. Nonetheless, the same physics underpins all of these situations: the plasma of the solar system meets the interstellar medium, which provides the building blocks for galaxies. This unit provides an advanced-level treatment of three major topics in astrophysics: the formation and evolution of galaxies, the structure and morphology of galaxies, and the physics of plasma in our Solar System. You will learn about the behaviour of gas and plasma throughout the Universe, and their effect on phenomena from galaxy structure to space weather. By doing this unit, you will learn how to synthesise your knowledge of physical concepts and processes, and how these concepts and techniques are used to solve modern research problems.
Unit details and rules
Academic unit | Physics Academic Operations |
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Credit points | 6 |
Prerequisites
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An average of at least 65 in 144 cp of units |
Corequisites
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None |
Prohibitions
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None |
Assumed knowledge
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A major in physics |
Available to study abroad and exchange students | Yes |
Teaching staff
Coordinator | Bruce Yabsley, bruce.yabsley@sydney.edu.au |
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Lecturer(s) | Iver Cairns, iver.cairns@sydney.edu.au |
Jonathan Bland-Hawthorn, jonathan.bland-hawthorn@sydney.edu.au | |
Jesse Van de Sande, jesse.vandesande@sydney.edu.au |