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Unit of study_
PHYS4037: Plasma and Astrophysics (Hons)
2024 unit information
Looking at the sky it is easy to forget our Sun and the stars are continuous giant nuclear explosions, or that nebulas are vast fields of ionized gases, all obeying the same laws of physics as anything else in the universe. Astrophysics gives us great insight in the larger structures of the universe, and plasma physics is key to understanding matter in space, but also in fusion reactors or for advanced material processing. This unit will provide an advanced introduction to astrophysics and plasma physics, complemented by an extensive literature research project critically investigating a current research topic in plasma physics or astrophysics. You will study three key concepts in astrophysics: the physics of radiation processes, stellar evolution, and binary stars. You will gain understanding of the physics of fundamental phenomena in plasmas. Examples will be given, where appropriate, of the application of these concepts to naturally occurring and man-made plasmas. In addition, you will carry out an in-depth critical analysis of a topic or your choice in astrophysics and/or plasma physics through a literature review research project. In completing this unit you will gain understanding of the foundations of modern physics and develop research and critical thinking skills.
Unit details and rules
Managing faculty or University school:
Physics Academic Operations
| Code | PHYS4037 |
|---|---|
| Academic unit | Physics Academic Operations |
| Credit points | 6 |
|
Prerequisites:
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144 credit points of units including (PHYS3X35 or PHYS3X40 or PHYS3941) |
|---|---|
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Corequisites:
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None |
| Prohibitions:
?
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PHYS3037 or PHYS3937 or PHYS3042 or PHYS3942 or PHYS3043 or PHYS3943 or PHYS3044 or PHYS3944 |
| Assumed knowledge:
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(MATH2X21 or MATH2X61 or MATH2067) |
At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:
- LO1. Demonstrate an understanding of key concepts in two areas of physics – astrophysics and plasma physics
- LO2. Apply these concepts to develop models, and to solve qualitative and quantitative problems in scientific contexts, using appropriate mathematical and computing techniques as necessary
- LO3. Communicate scientific information appropriately, through written work
- LO4. Analyse a physical problem in plasma physics and astrophysics and develop a formalism and numerical methods appropriate for solving it
- LO5. Write a literature review synthesising a topic of current research
- LO6. Demonstrate a sense of responsibility, ethical behaviour, and independence as a learner and as a scientist
Unit availability
This section lists the session, attendance modes and locations the unit is available in. There is a unit outline for each of the unit availabilities, which gives you information about the unit including assessment details and a schedule of weekly activities.
The outline is published 2 weeks before the first day of teaching. You can look at previous outlines for a guide to the details of a unit.
| Session | MoA ? | Location | Outline ? |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Semester 2 2024
|
Normal day | Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney |
Outline unavailable
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Modes of attendance (MoA)
This refers to the Mode of attendance (MoA) for the unit as it appears when you’re selecting your units in Sydney Student. Find more information about modes of attendance on our website.
