This course discusses these topics:
- The structure of the cosmos - from microbes to galaxies
- History of science
- The Copernican revolution and the Copernican Principle
- The methodology of science and the nature of scientific laws
- Relativity and the union of space and time
- Gravity, the curvature of space,and Black holes
- Quantum theory and determinism
- The arrow of time and causality
- The philosophy of space and time
- The Cosmological Principle and the nature of Cosmological models
- Anthropic principles
- Multi-universes – are they necessary?
- The emergence of life and intelligence in the universe
- Self-organising systems
- Neural networks
- Self-reproducing automata
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
On satisfying the requirements of this course, the students will have:
1. An understanding in outline of the history of cosmology, and of contemporary cosmology.2. A conceptual understanding of relativity theory and quantum mechanics.
3. An appreciation that many of the theories underlying modern cosmology are contentious.
4. An understanding of what would be involved in further study in the philosophy of science, and in cosmology.
5. A habit of educated questioning of scientific orthodoxy.
Indicative Assessment
Assessment is expected to be based on:
- Two short essays (20% each; LO 1-5)
- One long essay (40%; LO 1-5)
- In addition there will be quizzes and discussion board postings which will be released, and assessed, for the remaining 20% as the course proceeds.
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
Online quizzes, discussion board contributions and online assignments.Requisite and Incompatibility
You will need to contact the Mathematical Sciences Institute to request a permission code to enrol in this course.
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
If you are a domestic graduate coursework or international student you will be required to pay tuition fees. Tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 2
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are an undergraduate student and have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). You can find your student contribution amount for each course at Fees. Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2017 | $3660 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2017 | $4878 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
