UnitLevel 3Undergraduate

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 2022 in Semester 1 at Clayton. It has no prerequisites.

Credit points
6
Offered in 2022
Semester 1
Clayton
Assessment
Exam 40%
and 2 other tasks

This is the 2022 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.

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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 2022 handbook.

Enrolment rules

PREREQUISITE: One of MTH2010, MTH2015 or ENG2005

Recommended units: MTH2032 or MTH2040, plus one unit (six credit points) of astrophysics at second-year level or physics at first-year level

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 2022

Teaching periodCampusMode
First semesterClaytonOn campus

Assessment

  • Applied classesOther
    40%
  • In-class testIn class test
    20%
  • Examination (2 hours and 10 minutes)Exam
    40%

Learning outcomes

When you finish this unit, you should be able to:

  1. 1

    Describe the reasons for supplanting Newtonian physics with relativity theory;

  2. 2

    Use special relativity to predict the behaviour of relativistic particles;

  3. 3

    Discuss the relativistic paradoxes in an informed way;

  4. 4

    Discuss the experimental and theoretical foundations of general relativity;

  5. 5

    Discuss our current understanding of the beginnings, nature, and fate of the Universe;

  6. 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.

Where it fits

ASP3051 is part of 3 areas of study in the 2022 handbook.

Contacts

Chief Examiners
Professor Duncan Galloway
Unit Coordinators
Professor Duncan Galloway

Common questions

What are the prerequisites for ASP3051?

ASP3051 has no prerequisites, but enrolment rules apply.

When is ASP3051 offered?

In 2022, 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.

Which majors and minors include ASP3051?

ASP3051 is part of Astrophysics and Physics.

More details

Credit points
6
Level
3
Study level
Undergraduate
Faculty
Faculty of Science
Organisational unit
School of Physics and Astronomy
Type
Coursework
EFTSL
0.125
Student contribution
SCA Band 2
Study abroad
Available