Outline

Overview

Are you someone with a very strong interest in Physics who wants a more open-ended approach to your learning? This unit of study includes lectures on Special Relativity and Cosmology/Astrophysics, and also includes a Research Project. In Special Relativity, you will learn about Einstein's theory of special relativity, relative motion, twin paradox, Doppler shift, Lorentz transformations, spacetime and causality, relativistic momentum, relativistic kinetic energy, and mass as a measure of energy. In Cosmology/Astrophysics, you will learn about cosmological models, the cosmological principle, the Friedmann equations, the Friedmann-Robertson-Walker metric, cosmological redshift, the cosmic microwave background radiation, the thermal history of the Universe, inflation, dark matter and dark energy. The lecture modules will be identical to PHYS2913 Astrophysics and Relativity (Advanced). There is no Experimental Laboratory component for PHYS2923. Instead, students carry out a Research Project with researchers in one of the School's research groups.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Physics Academic Operations
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	(80 or above in PHYS291X) or (an average mark of 80 from Physics 1000-level units)
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	PHYS2013 or PHYS2913
Assumed knowledge ?	(MATH1X21 or MATH1931 or MATH1X01 or MATH1906) and (MATH1X02) and (MATH1X23 or MATH1933 or MATH1X03 or MATH1907) and (MATH1X05)
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Scott Croom, scott.croom@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Tim Bedding, tim.bedding@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Scott Croom, scott.croom@sydney.edu.au
Project supervisor(s)	Helen Johnston, h.johnston@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 1 September 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written exam ?	Final Examination Written exam	45%	Formal exam period	2 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Practical skill	SSP performance Performance during the research project.	15%	Ongoing	See Canvas	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Experimental design	Research project plan Summary and plan of research project. #earlyfeedbacktask	1%	Week 03 Due date: 24 Aug 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 03 Sep 2025	< 1 page	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Special relativity: assignment 1 online Mastering Physics	2.5%	Week 05 Due date: 01 Sep 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 11 Sep 2025	approx. 2 hours	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Special relativity: assignment 2 online Mastering Physics	2.5%	Week 08 Due date: 22 Sep 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 02 Oct 2025	approx. 2 hours	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-person written or creative task	Cosmology in-class quiz In class written quiz	5%	Week 12 Due date: 30 Oct 2025 at 10:00	30 minutes quiz	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	SSP presentation presentation for research project	8%	Week 12	See Canvas	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Research analysis	SSP report report on research project	16%	Week 13 Due date: 09 Nov 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 19 Nov 2025	Approx 5-10 pages.	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Contribution	Tutorial and lecture attendance tutorial and lecture in person attendance.	5%	Weekly	2hr per week minimum.	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = 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

Final examination: the final examination is closed book worth 45%. It consists of two parts: Section A is on special relativity and is worth 22.5%; and section B is on cosmology and is worth 22.5%. Lists of physical constants and formulas needed are provided in the paper. The final exam is hurdle task, so failure to reach a pass mark in the exam will lead to a failure of the unit.
Special relativity assignments: these will be completed in MasteringPhysics via Canvas.
Cosmology in-class quiz: a short written test (30mins) taken during a lecture in week 12.
Tutorial and lecture attendance: in-person attendence is required at tutorials and lectures. A minimum attendance of 65% (approx 2 out of 3 hours per week) is required to obtain a full attendance marks.
SSP project: the SSP project is a research project supervised by one of the academic staff within the school of physics. In week 3 students will submit a short (<1 page) plan of their project. Students are expected to work on their project consistently though the semester and meet regularly with their supervisor. A written written report and short (10min) presentation is required at the end of semester.

Final exam: If a second replacement exam is required, this exam may be delivered via an alternative assessment method, such as a viva voce (oral exam). The alternative assessment will meet the same learning outcomes as the original exam. The format of the alternative assessment will be determined by the unit coordinator.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	At HD level, a student demonstrates a flair for the subject and comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the unit material. A ‘High Distinction’ reflects exceptional achievement and is awarded to a student who demonstrates the ability to apply subject knowledge to novel situations.
Distinction	75 - 84	At DI level, a student demonstrates an aptitude for the subject and a solid knowledge and understanding of the unit material. A ‘Distinction’ reflects excellent achievement and is awarded to a student who demonstrates an ability to apply the key ideas of the subject.
Credit	65 - 74	At CR level, a student demonstrates a good command and knowledge of the unit material. A ‘Credit’ reflects solid achievement and is awarded to a student who has a broad understanding of the unit material but has not fully developed the ability to apply the key ideas of the subject.
Pass	50 - 64	At PS level, a student demonstrates proficiency in the unit material. A ‘Pass’ reflects satisfactory achievement and is awarded to a student who has threshold knowledge of the subject.
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

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.

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
Ongoing	SSP project, regular meetings with supervisor, plus independent research	Independent study (39 hr)
Week 01	Introduction to SSP research projects	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 01	Special relativity	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	Special relativity	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	Special Relativity	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 03	Special relativity	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 03	Special Relativity	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 04	Special relativity	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 04	Special Relativity	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 05	Special relativity	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 05	Special Relativity	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 06	Special Relativity	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 06	Special Relativity	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 07	Special Relativity	Lecture (1 hr)
	Cosmology	Lecture (1 hr)
	Special Relativity	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 08	Cosmology	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 08	Cosmology	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 09	Cosmology	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 09	Cosmology	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 10	Cosmology	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 10	Cosmology	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 11	Cosmology	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 11	Cosmology	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 12	Cosmology	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 12	Cosmology	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 13	Cosmology	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 13	Cosmology	Tutorial (1 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

In person attendance is required for both tutorials and lectures. This contributes to 5% of the overall unit mark. Each week there are 2 hours of lectures and 1 hour of tutorials. Students will achieve full marks for attendance with a minimum of 65% in-person attendance (2 out of 3 hours per week).

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. understand the key concepts in special relativity and cosmology
LO2. apply these concepts to develop models, and to solve qualitative and quantitative problems in scientific and engineering contexts, using appropriate mathematical and computing techniques as necessary
LO3. carry out a research project under supervision
LO4. find and analyse information and judge its reliability and significance
LO5. communicate scientific information appropriately, both orally and through written work
LO6. demonstrate a sense of responsibility, ethical behaviour and independence as a learner and as a scientist.

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.

Since the last version of this unit, tutorials have been added, with a reduction in the number of other assessments. Assessment weights have been modified, including making the final exam a hurdle task.

Additional information

SPECIAL RELATIVITY

Concepts of classical relativity, special relativity, Einstein’s two
postulates, relative motion, twin paradox, Doppler shift, Lorentz
transformations, spacetime and causality, relativistic momentum,
relativistic kinetic energy, mass as a measure of energy.

COSMOLOGY

Historical and philosophical basis for cosmological models, the
cosmological principle, the Friedmann equations, the
Friedmann-Robertson-Walker metric, cosmological redshift, the
cosmic microwave background radiation, big-bang nucleosynthesis,
the thermal history of the Universe, inflation, dark matter and dark
energy.

RESEARCH PROJECT

The research project can be in any area of physics. Potential supervisors and the projects that they have on offer will be advertised near the start of semester.

Work, health and safety

We are governed by the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 and Codes of Practice. Penalties for non-compliance have increased. Everyone has a responsibility for health and safety at work. The University’s Work Health and Safety policy explains the responsibilities and expectations of workers and others, and the procedures for managing WHS risks associated with University activities.

General Laboratory Safety Rules

No eating or drinking is allowed in any laboratory under any circumstances
Closed-toe shoes are mandatory
Follow safety instructions in your manual, posted in laboratories, and from staff.
In case of fire, follow instructions posted outside the laboratory door
First aid kits, eye wash and fire extinguishers are located in or immediately outside each laboratory
As a precautionary measure, it is recommended that you have a current tetanus immunisation. This can be obtained from University Health Service: unihealth.usyd.edu.au/

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

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

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

PHYS2923: Astrophysics and Relativity (SSP)

Semester 2, 2025 [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

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links