ASP3162 Computational astrophysics and the extreme universe
Faculty of Science
ASP3162 Computational astrophysics and the extreme universe is a level 3, 6-credit-point, undergraduate unit from the Faculty of Science, offered in 2025 in Semester 2 at Clayton. It has no prerequisites.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2025
- Semester 2
- Clayton
- Assessment
- Exam 30%
- and 2 other tasks
This is the 2025 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.
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Requisites
Overview
In this unit you will learn the basic principles of astrophysical fluid dynamics and how it can be used to model the most extreme events in the universe. The unit covers the basic equations of compressible hydrodynamics, including the behaviour of linear waves, the transition to shocks and the behaviour of fluids at high Mach number. You will apply this to understand the physical processes that power accreting sources including white dwarfs, neutron stars and black holes, and the physics behind the explosion of stars as supernovae. You will gain practical experience in computational fluid dynamics including basic programming skills and an understanding of how large scale astrophysical simulations are performed.
Offerings in 2025
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Second semester | Clayton | On campus |
Assessment
- WorkshopsDemonstration50%
- Assignments (10% each)Written20%
- Final assessment - Exam (3 hours and 10 minutes)Examination30%
Learning outcomes
When you finish this unit, you should be able to:
- 1
Demonstrate a basic understanding of astrophysical fluid dynamics, involving the physics of fluids at high Mach number, including sound waves and shocks.
- 2
Demonstrate practical skills in scientific computing, computational modelling, data analysis and visualisation.
- 3
Perform computer simulations of astrophysical flows using advanced astrophysical simulation codes, and demonstrate an understanding of the physics and mathematics behind modern large-scale astrophysical simulations.
- 4
Obtain understanding of high-energy astrophysics phenomena such as supernovae and gamma-ray bursts, compact objects, and matter under extreme astrophysical conditions such in the interiors of stars. This includes nuclear reactions and numerical modelling of simple nuclear reaction networks.
Workload and teaching
- Seminars36 hours
- Laboratories36 hours
- Teaching approachActive 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.
The computer-based workshops will bring together the theoretical knowledge and numerical techniques discussed in seminars. No background in numerical methods and computing is assumed. Beginning with the fundamentals of numerical methods and simple coding, you will build on this foundation week by week until a simple but professional computational astrophysics code is achieved. It is therefore vital that you attend workshops and keep up to date with weekly projects.
Learning resources
Recommended resources
A recommended reading list will be available on Moodle including links to library electronic editions.
Where it fits
ASP3162 is part of 4 areas of study in the 2025 handbook.
Contacts
- Unit Coordinators
- Dr Bernhard Mueller
- Chief Examiners
- Dr Bernhard Mueller
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for ASP3162?
ASP3162 has no prerequisites, but enrolment rules apply.
When is ASP3162 offered?
In 2025, ASP3162 runs in Semester 2 at Clayton.
Does ASP3162 have an exam?
Yes. The exam is worth 30% of the final mark, alongside 2 other tasks.
Which majors and minors include ASP3162?
ASP3162 is part of Astrophysics and Physics.