The goal of this course is to provide students with an overview of extragalactic astronomy and the astrophysics that describes galaxies and the universe. We will study the properties of galaxies and galactic nuclei, stellar and gas dynamics, clusters of galaxies, the large scale distribution of galaxies and galaxy clusters and their use as cosmological tools. The students will further get an overview of cosmology with emphasis on the cosmic microwave background, galaxies and related phenomena at high redshift, and cosmic structure formation. Additional topics include nucleosynthesis, quasar absorption lines, and gammaray bursts.
This course is co-taught with undergraduate students but assessed separately.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Apply physical principles to the analysis of observations of galaxies and of the Universe as a whole;
- Use a range of mathematical and computational techniques in this analysis, including order of magnitude estimation and numerical modeling;
- Communicate the results of this analysis;
- Work effectively as part of a group;
- Read, interpret, and critically analyse professional research literature in the areas of galaxies and cosmology;
- Identify unsolved problems in galaxies and cosmology, and propose research approaches that could be used to address them.
Work Integrated Learning
Projects
Students may engage with WIL partners (internal/external) as a component of the course.
Indicative Assessment
- 8 problem sets (40) [LO 1,2,3,4]
- Final exam (40) [LO 1,2,3]
- Critical reflection on research literature, delivered in written and oral form (20) [LO 5,6]
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
The expected workload will consist of approximately 130 hours throughout the semester including:
- Face-to face component which may consist of 3 hours of lectures (1x2 hour lecture plus 1x1 hour lecture) and 1 x 1 hour tutorial per week
- Approximately 96 hours of self-study which will include preparation for lectures, presentations and other assessment tasks (average 5 hours per week of problem sets and 3 hours per week of work on the literature analysis).
Inherent Requirements
To be determined
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
Galaxies in the Universe, An Introduction, by L. S. Sparke and J. S. Gallagher III Introduction to Cosmology, by B. RydenAssumed Knowledge
Bachelor of Science or equivalent with a major in astronomy, physics, or mathematics with relevant experience or academic achievement. Students should have basic familiarity with computer programming.Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you 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). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 2
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found 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 |
|---|---|
| 2023 | $4320 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2023 | $6180 |
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.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
Second Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5991 | 24 Jul 2023 | 31 Jul 2023 | 31 Aug 2023 | 27 Oct 2023 | In Person | View |
