Outline

Overview

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

Academic unit	Physics Academic Operations
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	144 credit points of units including (PHYS3X35 or PHYS3X40 or PHYS3941)
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	PHYS3037 or PHYS3937 or PHYS3042 or PHYS3942 or PHYS3043 or PHYS3943 or PHYS3044 or PHYS3944
Assumed knowledge ?	(MATH2X21 or MATH2X61 or MATH2067)
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Helen Johnston, h.johnston@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Helen Johnston, h.johnston@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Iver Cairns, iver.cairns@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Supervised exam ?	Final Exam Final Exam	45%	Formal exam period	2 hours
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Astrophysics Assignment Written Assignment	5%	Week 06 Due date: 04 Apr 2025 at 23:59	7 questions
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Problem Assignment Written Assignment	10%	Week 09 Due date: 02 May 2025 at 23:59	~ 16 hours work
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Plasma Physics Assignment Written Assignment	5%	Week 12 Due date: 23 May 2025 at 23:59	~ 8 hours work
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Literature Review presentation Presentation based on literature review of chosen topic	35%	Week 13	30 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = AI allowed ?

Assessment summary

Assessment for this unit comprises Astrophysics, Plasma physics and Problem assignments, a literature review project report, and a final exam.

Assignments: There are three coursework assignments in this unit, one per module and one larger problem assignment using aspects
of both modules. You are encouraged to start early on the problem assignment, as you will be able to solve aspects from it as early as it is released.

Literature review: The literature review is a report on research papers associated with a topic of your choice.

Final exam: The final exam will have questions covering all coursework aspects of this course (astrophysics and plasma physics), and will be entirely paper- based. This is a closed book exam. Must be attempted & must meet hurdle mark threshold; otherwise = AF grade

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

Assessment criteria

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	factual information of an outstanding standard with a sophisticated grasp of the principles and interpretation clear evidence of critical analysis, understanding of experimental design and statistical analysis, integration of knowledge and application to the experimental situation, evidence of originality of thought
Distinction	75 - 84	factual information of a superior standard with a sophisticated grasp of the principles and interpretation good evidence of critical analysis, understanding of experimental design and statistical analysis and integration of knowledge; good understanding of the application of knowledge; some evidence of application to the experimental situation
Credit	65 - 74	factual information of a high standard, but some information may be incorrect or missing, with sound grasp of the principles and interpretation critical analysis is mainly superficial and relevance of knowledge not always clear, understanding of experimental design and statistical analysis is sufficient and applied to the experimental situation
Pass	50 - 64	factual information is of an acceptable standard but basic and contains gaps, errors or inconsistencies/contradictions critical analysis is relatively poor, material may be correct but not entirely relevant; surface understanding of experimental design and statistical analysis with limited application to the experimental situation and limited interpretation
Fail	0 - 49	a significant amount of factual information is incorrect misses the point, fundamental misunderstandings evident

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

Except for supervised exams or in-semester tests, you may use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessments unless expressly prohibited by your unit coordinator.

For exams and in-semester tests, the use of AI and automated writing tools is not allowed unless expressly permitted in the assessment instructions.

The icons in the assessment table above indicate whether AI is allowed – whether full AI, or only some AI (the latter is referred to as “AI restricted”). If no icon is shown, AI use is not permitted at all for the task. Refer to Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks for this unit.

Your final submission must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of automated writing tools or generative AI, and any material generated that you include in your final submission must be properly referenced. You may be required to submit generative AI inputs and outputs that you used during your assessment process, or drafts of your original work. Inappropriate use of generative AI is considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

The Current Students website provides information on artificial intelligence in assessments. For help on how to correctly acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the  AI in Education Canvas site.

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 Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

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	Astrophysics: radiation	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 02	Astrophysics: radiation and stellar structure	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 02	Astrophysics computer lab 1: the Saha and Boltzmann equations	Computer laboratory (1 hr)
Week 03	Astrophysics: stellar evolution	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 03	Astrophysics computer lab 2: stellar evolution 1	Computer laboratory (1 hr)
Week 04	Astrophysics: stellar evolution	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 04	Astrophysics computer lab 2: stellar evolution 2	Computer laboratory (1 hr)
Week 05	Astrophysics: stellar evolution and binaries	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 05	Astrophysics computer lab 4: Roche lobes	Computer laboratory (1 hr)
Week 06	Astrophysics: binary evolution	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 07	1. Plasma physics; 2. Debye shielding	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 08	1. Plasma physics: adiabatic invariants 2. The fluid equation of motion	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 09	1. Plasma physics: waves in plasmas; 2. Dispersion relations	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 10	1. Plasma physics: plasma waves; 2. Resonances and cut-offs	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 11	Plasma physics: the sheath	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 12	1. Plasma physics: plasma distribution function; kinetic theory; The Boltzmann equation;. Revision	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 13	2 Plasma physics: plasma distribution function; kinetic theory; The Boltzmann equation;. Revision	Lecture and tutorial (3 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. 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

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 draft for PHYS4037, which is the Honours offering of unit PHYS3037, sharing most of the content but senior experimental physics laboratories.

Additional information

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.

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

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

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

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

PHYS4037: Plasma and Astrophysics (Hons)

Semester 1, 2025 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

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

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links