ASP2011 Astronomy
Faculty of Science
ASP2011 Astronomy is a level 2, 6-credit-point, undergraduate unit from the Faculty of Science, offered in 2021 in Semester 1 at Clayton. It has no prerequisites and unlocks 1 unit.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2021
- Semester 1
- Clayton
- Assessment
- Exam 40%
- and 2 other tasks
This is the 2021 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.
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Requisites
Before ASP2011
No prerequisites or corequisites besides the enrolment rules below.
After ASP2011
1 unit list ASP2011 as a prerequisite or corequisite.
Overview
An introduction to modern astronomy, with an emphasis on using astronomical observations to understand the stars, galaxies and the universe as a whole.
You will be introduced to the night sky and how to navigate around it using astronomical coordinates. The design, performance and use of visible and radio wavelength telescopes are discussed in detail, including imaging and spectroscopy. Visible and radio wavelength observations will be interpreted to determine the velocities, distances, masses, and the cosmological expansion of the Universe, Practical work in workshops is a key component of this unit, including an astronomical observing session and analysis of data from major observatories.
Offerings in 2021
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| First semester | Clayton | On campus |
Assessment
- AssignmentsAssignment20%
- Lab reports and logbooksReport40%
- Examination (3 hours and 10 minutes)Exam40%
Learning outcomes
When you finish this unit, you should be able to:
- 1
Use fundamental concepts in observational astronomy to model the motion of the planets and stars, to measure the brightness of celestial objects using astronomical images, and to determine astronomical distances.
- 2
Explain the workings and limitations of telescopes and interferometers, to quantify their angular resolution and limitations, and describe how astronomers use these instruments to obtain images and spectra.
- 3
Use optical, infrared and radio observations to measure stellar masses, stellar radii, astronomical distances, temperatures and the expansion of the Universe.
- 4
Interpret astronomical observations and justify conclusions drawn via a concise and accurate written report.
Workload and teaching
- Laboratories36 hours
- Workshops36 hours
- Lectures36 hours
- Teaching approachOnline learning
The workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours spread across the semester (approximately 12 hours per week) - approximately an even mixture of attendance at scheduled activities and self-scheduled study time. Learning activities comprise a mixture of instructor-directed, peer-directed and self-directed learning, which includes face-to-face and online engagement.
Note: the unit includes a commitment of 2 hours of astronomical observing after hours (evening) on the Clayton Campus, with the exact timing being weather dependent.
Where it fits
ASP2011 is part of 3 areas of study in the 2021 handbook.
Contacts
- Chief Examiners
- Dr Rosemary Mardling
- Unit Coordinators
- Dr Rosemary Mardling
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for ASP2011?
ASP2011 has no prerequisites, but enrolment rules apply.
What can I take after ASP2011?
ASP2011 is a prerequisite or corequisite for 1 unit, including ASP3231.
When is ASP2011 offered?
In 2021, ASP2011 runs in Semester 1 at Clayton.
Does ASP2011 have an exam?
Yes. The exam is worth 40% of the final mark, alongside 2 other tasks.
Which majors and minors include ASP2011?
ASP2011 is part of Astrophysics.