Outline

Overview

The field of astrophysics spans length and time scales unseen in any other area of science, and to understand this field, we must synthesise knowledge of a huge number of different physical processes. The aim of PHYS4122 is to teach you about the complexity of our Universe via advanced-level treatments of several concepts that are central to modern astrophysics research. This will include how cosmic structure emerges out of the vacuum during the very early Universe; how plasma and dark matter combine to form galaxies; and the precise tests of gravitational dynamics made possible by studying structures in the nearby Universe. These focus topics will also be complemented by shorter snapshots of several other areas of this rich field that are the subject of active research at the university, e.g. radio astronomy, asteroseismology, galaxy morphology and evolution, and astroparticle physics. By doing this unit you will learn how to synthesise knowledge of many different concepts and processes from across physics to solve modern research problems.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Physics Academic Operations
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	An average of at least 65 in 144 credit points of units
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	A major in physics
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	John Bartholomew, john.bartholomew@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Jonathan Bland-Hawthorn, jonathan.bland-hawthorn@sydney.edu.au
	Ciaran O'Hare, ciaran.ohare@sydney.edu.au
	Manisha Caleb, manisha.caleb@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
Written exam	Final exam Final exam	50%	Formal exam period	2 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Assignment 1 Written assignment	12.5%	Week 05 Due date: 25 Mar 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 08 Apr 2026	3 - 6 questions involving data analysis	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Assignment 2 Written assignment	12.5%	Week 11 Due date: 15 May 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 29 May 2026	3 - 6 questions involving data analysis	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Q&A following presentation, submission or placement	Topics in astrophysics presentation - Part 2 Q&A Assessed Q&A following presentation	10%	Week 13	10 minutes	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Topics in astrophysics presentation - Part 1 Assessed presentation	15%	Week 13	15 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:

Assessment summary

Assignment 1: This assignment will require you to apply information from lectures and your reading to solve worked problems.
Assignment 2: This assignment will require you to apply information from lectures and your reading to solve worked problems.
Topics in astrophysics presentation: This assessment will require you to integrate material from the final section of the course, and your own study on an agreed topic, and to present it to the class.
Final exam: The exam will cover all material in the unit, excluding content covered in the guest lectures. The exam will have a mixture of short-answer questions and worked problems. 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	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 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
Week 01	Introduction to Galaxies (weeks 1-2)	Lecture (4 hr)
Week 03	Galactic Dynamics (weeks 3-4)	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 04	Dynamics of the Milky Way (weeks 4-5)	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 06	Dark Matter	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 07	Big Bang, Inflation, and Cosmology (weeks 7-8)	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 09	Cosmological Perturbations and Dark Matter Halos (weeks 9-10)	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 10	Formation of First Stars and First Galaxies (weeks 10-11)	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 11	Gaseous Processes in Astrophysics (weeks 11-12)	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 13	Seminar presentations by students	Seminar (6 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 understanding of the physics underlying astrophysical situations, and use these concepts to describe the system under consideration.
LO2. Synthesise knowledge from the undergraduate syllabus and apply physics knowledge and mathematical skills to solve astrophysical problems.
LO3. Evaluate different theoretical models applying to a system and assess the applicability of these models.
LO4. Analyse astrophysical observations and numerical simulations to construct a physical model for an astrophysical system.

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.

There have been some changes to the assessments and the teaching schedule since this unit was last 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

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

PHYS4122: Astrophysics and Space Science

Semester 1, 2026 [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)

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