ASP3051 Relativity and cosmology
Faculty of Science
ASP3051 Relativity and cosmology is a level 3, 6-credit-point, undergraduate unit from the Faculty of Science, offered in 2027 in Semester 1 at Clayton. It has no prerequisites.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2027
- Semester 1
- Clayton
- Assessment
- Exam 40%
- and 2 other tasks
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Requisites
Before ASP3051
No prerequisites or corequisites besides the enrolment rules below.
After ASP3051
No unit lists ASP3051 as a prerequisite in the 2027 handbook.
Overview
In this unit you will study the following newtonian physics and Einstein's special theory of relativity, the geometry of space-time, the Minkowski metric, Lorentz transformations, k-calculus, and four-vectors; the physics of space-time, momentum and energy; classical paradoxes; general relativity, including other metrics, black holes and gravitational waves; cosmology, including relevant observations and the cosmic background radiation; the expansion and evolution of the universe, primordial elements and recent progress.
Offerings in 2027
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| First semester | Clayton | On campus |
Assessment
- Applied classesDemonstration40%
- In-class testQuiz / Test20%
- Examination (2 hours and 10 minutes)Examination40%
Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.
Learning outcomes
When you finish this unit, you should be able to:
- 1
Describe the reasons for supplanting Newtonian physics with relativity theory;
- 2
Use special relativity to predict the behaviour of relativistic particles;
- 3
Discuss the relativistic paradoxes in an informed way;
- 4
Discuss the experimental and theoretical foundations of general relativity;
- 5
Discuss our current understanding of the beginnings, nature, and fate of the Universe;
- 6
Evaluate the current uncertainties in cosmology;
Workload and teaching
- Workshops24 hours
- Applied sessions24 hours
- Teaching approachOnline learning
The workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours spread across the semester (roughly 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.
Contacts
- Unit Coordinators
- Professor Duncan Galloway
- Chief Examiners
- Professor Duncan Galloway
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for ASP3051?
ASP3051 has no prerequisites, but enrolment rules apply.
When is ASP3051 offered?
In 2027, ASP3051 runs in Semester 1 at Clayton.
Does ASP3051 have an exam?
Yes. The exam is worth 40% of the final mark, alongside 2 other tasks.