Outline

Overview

From the beginning, humans have looked up and wondered. From the Big Bang to black holes, from our own planet to distant galaxies, astronomy continues to capture the imagination. In this unit you will explore the ‘big questions’ in astronomy, and have the opportunity to delve more deeply into some of the mysteries of the Universe. How far away are the stars, and could we ever travel to them? What powers the Sun, and why did so many ancient civilizations worship it? How can we predict astronomical events far into the future, and how do we know about phenomena no one has ever seen directly? And what are dark matter and dark energy? This unit explores the science of astronomy, and its cultural impact. You will create your own work relating to these concepts and discuss your project ideas with peers. You'll also have the opportunity for hands-on observations using telescopes, guided by practicing astronomers.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Physics Academic Operations
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Anita Hafner, anita.hafner@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Interactive oral	Round-table presentation and feedback on Astronomy Project ideas Students will present their own project idea verbally and assess the project ideas of their peers. This will take place 3 times in the semester, students will be graded on the best out of the three sessions, based on peer and tutor assessment.	10%	Multiple weeks	Varied	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Interactive oral	Small continuous assessment Small participation tasks throughout semester. Discussion-based tasks within the tutorials based on the weekly content. These will take place in the weeks without the round-table presentations. Students will be graded on the best 5 of these ~8 sessions.	9%	Multiple weeks	Varied	AI limited - refer to Canvas
Outcomes assessed:
Contribution	Early Feedback Task - Online Discussion Participation Small online task based on unit content - students will post on the Ed forum either as a group or as an individual.	1%	Week 03 Due date: 13 Mar 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 29 May 2026	Varied	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Astronomy Idea Exploration Students will provide a written description of possible ideas for their Astronomy Project, informed by research and the unit content.	10%	Week 04 Due date: 20 Mar 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 29 May 2026	1000 word	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Astronomy Project first draft/outline This is an early draft/outline and presentation of their Astronomy Project, provided for peer feedback and formative assessment	10%	Week 08 Due date: 24 Apr 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 29 May 2026	1000 word	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Creative work	Astronomy Project Students will create a work (written, video, artwork, etc.) that communicates content contained in this unit to a general audience	40%	Week 12 Due date: 22 May 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 29 May 2026	Varied	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Supporting documentation for Astronomy Project Students will provide supporting documentation outlining the subject and aim of their Astronomy Project, as well as the sources of information they used	20%	Week 12 Due date: 22 May 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 29 May 2026	2000 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= early feedback task ?

Early feedback task

This unit includes an early feedback task, designed to give you feedback prior to the census date for this unit. Details are provided in the Canvas site and your result will be recorded in your Marks page. It is important that you actively engage with this task so that the University can support you to be successful in this unit.

Assessment summary

The primary assessment for this unit is the Major Project. In this project, students will choose an astronomy topic of interest (e.g. Black Holes, Supernovae, etc.) and a target audience (e.g. university students, young children, etc.) and create a work (e.g. report, visual art, song, etc.) to communicate that topic to that audience. This work will also be accompanied by supporting documentation. Depending on the type of work chosen this documentation may vary in length, as it will outline the astronomy topic and the sources used, as well as how the work was tailored to the target audience. Further assessments will provide early feedback on students' progress on their Major Project.

The Major Project will be assessed in four parts:

1. Idea Exploration - 10% A description of ideas for the topic and audience of the major work

2. First Draft - 10% An early draft or detailed description of the project and how it will be tailored to the target audience.

3. Major Work - 40% A piece of work that communicates an astronomy topic to a target audience.

4. Supporting documentation - 20% Detailed description of the astronomy topic, including sources of information. Detailed description of how the work was tailored specifically for the target audience.

Assessment criteria

Result name	Mark range	Description
Satisfied requirements	50 - 100	The learning outcomes of the unit of study have been met to a satisfactory standard.
Failed requirements	0 - 49	The learning outcomes of the unit of study have not been met to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

-5% per day late, up to 10 days late, after which 0% will be recorded

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Astronomy through the ages	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	Astronomy without a telescope	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 03	How we know what we know	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 04	How the Universe began	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 05	Stars	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 06	Galaxies	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 07	Are we alone?	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 08	Death and destruction	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 09	Astronomy and Entertainment	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 10	Frontiers in astronomy	Lecture (2 hr)

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. Discuss with peers discoveries in astronomy and the impact of these discoveries on culture
LO2. Develop sophisticated scientific communication skills through the production of an engaging Astronomy Project piece relevant to content presented in the unit
LO3. Elaborate on astronomy scientific content accurately in your Astronomy Project work
LO4. Explain the connections between your project work and the content of the unit to peers, and be able to justify the choices you have made
LO5. Judge the project work of peers, with reference to the unit content, and provide constructive feedback
LO6. Develop a deeper understanding of foundational scientific ideas in Astronomy and dispel common misconceptions
LO7. Develop an appreciation for the impact of Astronomy on past and current cultures

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

This is the first time this unit has been offered.

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

OLES1603: Astronomy: Exploring the Universe

Semester 1, 2026 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links