Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2024 (22/07/2024 - 18/11/2024)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Mathematics & Physics School
This course will explore the most exciting latest questions in astrophysics and cosmology, such as dark matter and dark energy, and introduce you to many tools useful for higher-level research in astrophysics and more broadly. It will be taught in an interactive manner, with half of the contact hours dedicated to project-based learning. Topics we will cover include: dark matter, dark energy, the cosmic microwave background, the large-scale structure of the universe, gravitational waves, building computer simulations of the universe, and using all of these to understand our fundamental laws of physics.
Frontiers of Astrophysics will bring you up to speed on the latest in extragalactic astrophysics, cosmology, astroparticle physics, gravitational waves and exoplanet science. Throughout the course we will be introducing you to modern tools (software) used to simulate and analyse the latest data, and test cosmological theories of things such as dark energy and dark matter. ᅠThe "lecture" sessions will be discussions and problem solving. ᅠThe "contact" sessions will be a series of four short projects for you to deep dive into particular topics. ᅠYou will be taught by the specialists in each area on their specific topic, so you will be getting truly expert perspectives.ᅠ
Course requirements
Assumed background
We will assume you are already comfortable with basic cosmology (which was covered inᅠPHYS3080) includingᅠFriedmann equations, calculations of the expansion of the universe, dark energy and dark matter,ᅠtypes of galaxies and the basics of galaxy evolution,ᅠthe very early universe, the formation of the elements, the cosmic microwave background, and inflation.ᅠᅠ
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
PHYS3080
Recommended prerequisites
We recommend completing the following courses before enrolling in this one:
PHYS2082, PHYS3071 and MATH4105
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
PHYS7280
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
All classes will be conducted on campus. Consult your personal timetable for times and locations. Students are expected to attend these sessions in personᅠunless they have a valid reason for being unable to attend (such as illness). Important: if you are ill, then do not attend any classes in person. Alternative arrangements can be organised – consult Blackboard for details.
Aims and outcomes
This course aims to give you a strong background in a wide range of modern cosmology and astrophysics areas including dark energy, dark matter, observational cosmology, astroparticle physics, gravitational waves, extragalactic astrophysics and exoplanet science. We also aim to get you conversant with the standard analysis tools used by professionals in the field. This will be an excellent component of an honours degree in astrophysics and a solid foundation for starting a PhD in astrophysics.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Explain in detail the standard cosmological model of our universe.
LO2.
Understand the very early universe, nucleosynthesis, baryon acoustic oscillation formation and the cosmic microwave background.
LO3.
Describe galaxy formation and evolution, gravitational waves and exoplanet formation.
LO4.
Solve quantitative analytic and numerical problems in the topics covered.
LO5.
Experiment with simulations of the universe using modern software tools.
LO6.
Analyse observational astrophysical data using modern software tools.
LO7.
Evaluate and justify results using a variety of modes of communication.
Assessment
Assessment summary
Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
---|---|---|---|
Project |
Project based learning
|
50% |
16/08/2024 5:00 pm 10/09/2024 5:00 pm 8/10/2024 5:00 pm 25/10/2024 5:00 pm |
Tutorial/ Problem Set | Problem Set 1 | 10% |
27/08/2024 5:00 pm |
Tutorial/ Problem Set | Problem Set 2 | 10% |
15/10/2024 5:00 pm |
Examination |
Exam
|
30% |
End of Semester Exam Period 2/11/2024 - 16/11/2024 |
A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.
Assessment details
Project based learning
- Hurdle
- Mode
- Oral, Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia, Written
- Category
- Project
- Weight
- 50%
- Due date
16/08/2024 5:00 pm
10/09/2024 5:00 pm
8/10/2024 5:00 pm
25/10/2024 5:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07
Task description
There will be four projects run during the semester, so you can learn while doing. Each is worth 12.5%; combined these make a total of 50% of your grade.
Hurdle requirements
See COURSE GRADING INFORMATION for the hurdle relating to this assessment item.Submission guidelines
Submission instructions will come with each project.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
See ADDITIONAL ASSESSMENT INFORMATION for extension and deferred examination information relating to this assessment item.
Late submission
A penalty of 1 grade for each 24 hour period from time submission is due will apply for up to 7 days. After 7 days you will receive a mark of 0.
You are required to submit assessable items on time. If you fail to meet the submission deadline for any assessment item then the listed penalty will be deducted per day for up to 7 calendar days, at which point any submission will not receive any marks unless an extension has been approved. Each 24-hour block is recorded from the time the submission is due.
Solutions for assessment item/s will be released 7 days after the assessment is due and as such, an extension after 7 days will not be possible.
Problem Set 1
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Tutorial/ Problem Set
- Weight
- 10%
- Due date
27/08/2024 5:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L03, L04
Task description
Problem Set 1 will cover Holger's and Sarah's lectures.
Submission guidelines
Submit this assessment item through the link in Blackboard.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Solutions for this assessment item will be released 7 days after the assessment is due and as such, an extension after 7 days will not be possible.
See ADDITIONAL ASSESSMENT INFORMATION for the extension information relating to this assessment item.
Late submission
A penalty of 1 grade for each 24 hour period from time submission is due will apply for up to 7 days. After 7 days you will receive a mark of 0.
You are required to submit assessable items on time. If you fail to meet the submission deadline for any assessment item then the listed penalty will be deducted per day for up to 7 calendar days, at which point any submission will not receive any marks unless an extension has been approved. Each 24-hour block is recorded from the time the submission is due.
Problem Set 2
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Tutorial/ Problem Set
- Weight
- 10%
- Due date
15/10/2024 5:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04
Task description
Problem Set 2 will cover Ben Pope's and Cullan's lectures.
Submission guidelines
Submit this assessment item through the link in Blackboard.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Solutions for this assessment item will be released 7 days after the assessment is due and as such, an extension after 7 days will not be possible.
See ADDITIONAL ASSESSMENT INFORMATION for the extension information relating to this assessment item.
Late submission
A penalty of 1 grade for each 24 hour period from time submission is due will apply for up to 7 days. After 7 days you will receive a mark of 0.
You are required to submit assessable items on time. If you fail to meet the submission deadline for any assessment item then the listed penalty will be deducted per day for up to 7 calendar days, at which point any submission will not receive any marks unless an extension has been approved. Each 24-hour block is recorded from the time the submission is due.
Exam
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
2/11/2024 - 16/11/2024
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L07
Task description
Your final exam will focus mostly on the material covered in the lectures, backed up by the knowledge you received through doing the projects.
It will be an open-book written exam, during which you will answer questions to demonstrate your understanding of the topics covered and do quantitative calculations.
The final examination in this course will be held during the end-of-semester examination period. It will be an in-person exam held on campus.
Hurdle requirements
See COURSE GRADING INFORMATION for the hurdle relating to this assessment item.Exam details
Planning time | 10 minutes |
---|---|
Duration | 120 minutes |
Calculator options | Any calculator permitted |
Open/closed book | Open Book examination |
Exam platform | Paper based |
Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
See ADDITIONAL ASSESSMENT INFORMATION for the deferred examination information relating to this assessment item.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
Grade | Description |
---|---|
1 (Low Fail) |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The student demonstrates very limited understanding of the theory of the topics listed in the course outline and of the basic concepts in the course material. This includes attempts at answering some questions but demonstrating very limited understanding of the key concepts. This grade corresponds to an overall score of 1-24.99 per cent. |
2 (Fail) |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The student demonstrates limited understanding of the theory of the topics listed in the course outline and demonstrates limited knowledge of the techniques used to solve problems. This includes attempts at expressing their deductions and explanations and attempts to answer a few questions accurately. This grade corresponds to an overall score of 25-44.99 per cent. |
3 (Marginal Fail) |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: The student demonstrates some understanding of the theory of the topics listed in the course outline and demonstrates some knowledge of the techniques used to solve problems, but fails to satisfy all of the basic requirements for a pass. This grade corresponds to an overall score of 45-49.99 per cent. |
4 (Pass) |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The student demonstrates an understanding of the theory of the topics listed in the course outline and demonstrates a knowledge of the techniques used to solve problems. This grade corresponds to an overall score of 50-64.99 per cent. |
5 (Credit) |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The student demonstrates a good understanding of the theory of the topics listed in the course outline and can apply the techniques to solve problems. This grade corresponds to an overall score of 65-74.99 per cent. |
6 (Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The student demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of the theory of the topics listed in the course outline and is proficient in applying the techniques to solve both theoretical and practical problems. This grade corresponds to an overall score of 75-84.99 per cent. |
7 (High Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The student demonstrates an excellent understanding of the theory of the topics listed in the course outline and is highly proficient in applying the techniques to solve both theoretical and practical problems. This grade corresponds to an overall score of 85-100 per cent. |
Additional course grading information
Your grade for this course will be determined by which of the above levels of achievement that you consistently display in the items of assessment.ᅠ For each category of assessment a percentage ᅠmark will be determined.ᅠ The weighted average of these will then determine your overall grade for the course.
You must also satisfy all the following conditions to pass (grade of 4 or higher) the course:
- Achieve 40% or higher in the final exam.
- Score 40% or higher for the project work.
The details of the supplementary assessment for if you fail any of these criteria are in Supplementary Assessment section below.ᅠ
Assessment Criteria
Answers to written examination questions, and projects ᅠwill be assessed in terms of the extent to which they demonstrate the ability of the student to:
- Define, explain and interrelate the key concepts involved in the course.
- Use the basic theory to describe quantitatively the behaviour of important features of astrophysics and cosmology.
- Recognise the regime of applicability of the theory presented.
- Apply the theory to new physical problems and obtain correct analytical and numerical results in the appropriate units of measurement.
- Utilise the appropriate mathematical and other techniques to derive relationships for physical quantities.
- Have an appreciation of the orders of magnitude of important quantities.
- Perform computational tasks using original software as well as standard cosmological software tools; ᅠanalyse the data and present qualitative and/or quantitative results.
- Write reports ᅠexpressing measurements, analysis and conclusions in a clear and cogent style.ᅠ
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Should you fail a course with a grade of 3, you may be eligible for supplementary assessment. Refer to my.UQ for information on supplementary assessment and how to apply.
Supplementary assessment provides an additional opportunity to demonstrate you have achieved all the required learning outcomes for a course.
If you apply and are granted supplementary assessment, the type of supplementary assessment set will consider which learning outcome(s) have not been met.
Supplementary assessment in this course will be a 2-hour examination similar in style to the end-of-semester examination. To receive a passing grade of 3S4, you must obtain a mark of 50% or more on the supplementary assessment.
Additional assessment information
Artificial Intelligence
The assessment tasks in this course evaluate students’ abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Applications for Extensions to Assessment Due Dates
Extension requests are submitted online via my.UQ – applying for an extension. Extension requests received in any other way will not be approved. Additional details associated with extension requests, including acceptable and unacceptable reasons, may be found at my.UQ.
Please note:
- Requests for an extension to an assessment due date must be submitted through your my.UQ portal and you must provide documentation of your circumstances, as soon as it becomes evident that an extension is needed. Your application must be submitted on or before the assessment item's due date and time.
- Applications for extension can take time to be processed so you should continue to work on your assessment item while awaiting a decision. We recommend that you submit any completed work by the due date, and this will be marked if your application is not approved. Should your application be approved, then you will be able to resubmit by the agreed revised due date.
- If an extension is approved, you will be notified via your my.UQ portal and the new date and time for submission provided. It is important that you check the revised date as it may differ from the date that you requested.
- If the basis of the application is a medical condition, applications should be accompanied by a medical certificate dated prior to the assignment due date. If you are unable to provide documentation to support your application by the due date and time you must still submit your application on time and attach a written statement (Word document) outlining why you cannot provide the documentation. You must then upload the documentation to the portal within 24 hours.
- If an extension is being sought on the basis of exceptional circumstances, it must be accompanied by supporting documentation (eg. Statutory declaration).
- For extensions based on a SAP you may be granted a maximum of 7 days (if no earlier maximum timeframe applies). See the Extension or Deferral availability section of each assessment for details. Your SAP is all that is required as documentation to support your application. However, additional extension requests for the assessment item will require the submission of additional supporting documentation e.g., a medical certificate. All extension requests must be received by the assessment due date and time.
- An extension for an assessment item due within the teaching period in which the course is offered, must not exceed four weeks in total. If you are incapacitated for a period exceeding four weeks of the teaching period, you are advised to apply for Removal of Course.
- If you have been ill or unable to attend class for more than 14 days, you are advised to carefully consider whether you are capable of successfully completing your courses this semester. You might be eligible to withdraw without academic penalty - seek advice from the Faculty that administers your program.
- Students may be asked to submit evidence of work completed to date. Lack of adequate progress on your assessment item may result in an extension being denied.
- There are no provisions for exemption from an assessment item within UQ rules. If you are unable to submit an assessment piece then, under special circumstances, you may be granted an exemption, but may be required to submit alternative assessment to ensure all learning outcomes are met.
Applications to defer an exam
In certain circumstances you can apply to take a deferred examination for in-semester and end-of-semester exams. You'll need to demonstrate through supporting documentation how unavoidable circumstances prevented you from sitting your exam. If you can’t, you can apply for a one-off discretionary deferred exam.
Deferred Exam requests are submitted online via mySi-net. Requests received in any other way will not be approved. Additional details associated with deferred examinations, including acceptable and unacceptable reasons may be found at my.UQ.
Please note:
- Applications can be submitted no later than 5 calendar days after the date of the original exam.
- There are no provisions to defer a deferred exam. You need to be available to sit your deferred examination.
- Your deferred examination request(s) must have a status of "submitted" in mySI-net to be assessed.
- All applications for deferred in-semester examinations are assessed by the relevant school. Applications for deferred end-of-semester examinations are assessed by the Academic Services Division.
- You’ll receive an email to your student email account when the status of your application is updated.
- If you have a medical condition, mental health condition or disability and require alternative arrangements for your deferred exam you’ll need to complete the online alternative exam arrangements through my.UQ. This is in addition to your deferred examinations request. You need to submit this request on the same day as your request for a deferred exam or supplementary assessment. Contact Student Services if you need assistance completing your alternative exam arrangements request.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
---|---|---|
Multiple weeks |
Not Timetabled |
Pre-reading Pre-reading will be required before each lecture. This is not assessed, but we expect you to arrive prepared for the discussions. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Lecture |
Lectures: Discussion and Problem solving Our two hours of lectures per week will be used to discuss the topic of the pre-reading, review latest results, and work through problems together. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L07 |
|
Workshop |
Projects There will be four small projects during the semester, each about 3 weeks long. This forms half of your time in class (2 hours per week) and half of your assessment. These projects will use and develop upon modern tools (software) to do real astrophysics and cosmology analysis. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07 |
|
Problem-based learning |
Problem sets There will be two problem sets during the semester. They will be excellent practice for the final exam. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.