Astronomy and Astrophysics

1 Introduction

We are living in the golden age of astronomy: new telescopes and space-probes are sending in an ever increasing flood of exciting data, which is leading to stunning observational and theoretical breakthroughs almost every month. The ANU is at the centre of this activity, with the largest concentration of astronomy and astrophysics researchers of any Australian university.

The astronomy and astrophysics program is designed to teach both the fundamentals of astrophysics, and the latest results. A student completing the program at a sufficiently high standard will be prepared to carry out research in any branch of astronomy and astrophysics. For those not planning to continue on to astrophysical research, the degree gives a thorough grounding in an enormously broad range of physical, mathematical and computational skills: astronomy and astrophysics graduates are sought-after for careers as diverse as financial derivative trading, scientific management consultancy, defence research, computer systems analysis and spacecraft engineering. Students planning to specialise in other areas can also do individual astronomy units to learn some of the exciting recent progress in this field.

The course is taught jointly by the Department of Physics and Theoretical Physics (with expertise in black hole theory, gravity waves and general relativity), the Department of Mathematics and the ANU Astrophysical Theory Centre (experts on neutron stars, white dwarfs, black holes, quasars, and the processes that take place around them), and Mt Stromlo Observatory, situated 17km from campus (the pre-eminent Australian Centre for Optical Astronomy, with research interests ranging from dark matter, planets and stars out to cosmology and galaxy formation). The astronomy and astrophysics program can lead to a Bachelor of Science degree in either Mathematics or Physics, depending on the choice of other units taken.

2 Course Structure

For full descriptions of the various units, including detailed listings of prerequisites, see the individual entries later in this document. Possible course structures are shown in the flow chart, located in the Mathematics section, but check the individual unit descriptions for the formal prerequisites. Note that in some cases, the heads of the relevant departments can waive these prerequisites.

Year 1

Two alternative six-credit-point units are offered in 1st year: PHYS1009 and PHYS1011.

• Astronomy: PHYS 1009, this unit is designed for students without a strong maths and physics background, but with a desire to learn about our universe, and the remarkable new discoveries being made in astronomy.
• Astrophysics for Physicists: PHYS1011, this unit is intended for students with strong maths and physics backgrounds: it provides a solid grounding in planetary science and cosmology, and should be taken by students planning to specialise in astrophysics in subsequent years.

The syllabus for both units is similar: they cover planets (their atmospheres, surfaces and geology), spaceflight, prospects for life in space, the formation of stars and planets, the Big Bang, the nature of space and time, and the geometry and fate of the universe.

Year 2

Two four-credit-point units are offered in second year:

• Observational and Computational Astrophysics: PHYS2023, this unit covers telescopes and how to use them, and the rapidly growing field of computer simulations of astrophysical phenomena. Students will do research projects using the professional telescopes at Mt Stromlo Observatory, and will design and run computer simulations. Most of the assessment will be based on project work.
• Theoretical Astrophysics: MATH2067 or MATH2167, these units cover the basics of theoretical astrophysics, showing how it is possible to understand many of the most bizarre and alien processes in the universe using familiar laws of physics. The emphasis throughout will be on basic physical principles and the use of “back-of-the-envelope” calculations.

Year 3

Five four-credit-point astronomy units are offered at this level. These units are designed to be taken at either 3rd year or 4th year; most students planning to continue to honours in astrophysics will spread them between the two years, doing PHYS3043 and MATH3052 in third year and MATH3053 and MATH3054 in fourth.

• Stellar Astrophysics: MATH3053 covers the structure, evolution and death of stars. Different types of stars, and the nuclear processes that power them, will be discussed.
• Physical Processes in the Interstellar Medium: PHYS3043, this unit discusses the gas that lies between the stars: both the colourful nebulae and the dusty dark clouds. The processes that heat, cool, form, destroy and ionise these clouds will be covered.
• Galaxies and Cosmology: MATH3052 covers the different types of galaxy, their origin and structure. The geometry and dynamics of the universe will be analysed, giving clues to its size, shape, origin and fate.
• High Energy Astrophysics: MATH3054, this unit covers the most violent places in the universe: quasars, active galactic nuclei and the regions near compact origins. The exotic physics that prevails in these energy rich environments will be discussed.
• Relativity: MATH3050 covers the basics of relativity (both special and general) and their application to black holes and compact objects.

Year 4

Students planning to continue on to research in astronomy and astrophysics, or wish to gain experience of scientific research at the cutting edge of astrophysics, should do the 4th year honours program. Any student who has completed the astronomy and astrophysics program with distinction, together with the core Physics or Maths programs, will be able to choose between the full range of astrophysics honours units and projects.

50-60% of the honours year mark comes from a research project, carried out under the supervision of one of the staff of Physics, Mt Stromlo Observatory, Mathematics or the Astrophysical Theory Centre. The remaining 40-50% is based upon course work. Students may take any of the 3rd year astrophysics units that they have not already completed, and in addition a wide variety of more specialised astrophysics units will be offered. Depending on the choice of supervisor and course work, an honours degree in Astrophysics, Mathematics or Physics will be awarded.