Hurdle tasks

This unit has hurdle requirements, specifying a minimum standard that must be attained in aspects of the unit.  To pass this unit you must obtain marks of at least 40% in the final examination and an overall 50% in the unit.

Second-chance hurdle examinations will be offered in the week of December 11 - 15.  You will be notified shortly after the marks are released of your eligibility for a hurdle retry and you must also make yourself available during that week to take advantage of this opportunity.

Late Assessments Policy

The non-examination assessment components should be submitted via iLearn or github by the due date and time.

The penalty for late submission is deduction of 5% of the possible mark for that item for each 24 hour period (or part) overdue. Assessments will not be accepted for marking if submitted more than 1 week past the due date.  Extensions to the due dates for assignments,  practical assessments, and project will only be considered if requested with valid reason prior to the due date.

Students anticipating or experiencing difficulties in meeting a deadline should discuss this with one of the lecturers in the first instance, ideally ahead of the deadline, if at all possible. Students should also be familiar with the University's Disruptions to Study policy ( http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html ).

Classes

Students are expected to attend all lectures. Lecture attendance provides students with the opportunity to ask questions about content that will be covered on the final exam.

Required and Recommended Texts and/or Materials

Required Text

There is no single textbook that covers all of the course material in this unit. Appropriate material will be provided during the course. Useful textbooks are listed below.

Recommended Reading/Useful References

Foundations of Astrophysics by Barbara Ryden, Addison-Wesley, (2009)

Observational Astrophysics by Robert C. Smith, Cambridge University Press (1995)

Astrophysical Techniques, C R Kitchin, Institute of Physics Publishing (2003)

Adaptive Optics for Astronomical Telescopes, John W Hardy, Oxford University Press (1998)

Astrophysical quantities, C W Allen, London : Athlone Press (1973) ISBN0485111500e

Teaching and Learning Strategy

This unit is taught through lectures and through undertaking laboratory experiments. Questions during and outside lectures are strongly encouraged in this unit - please do not be afraid to ask as it is likely that your classmates will also want to know the answer.

Laboratories (practicals) are compulsory and will commence in the first week of semester.  Weather pending, some optional laboratory exercises will be at the Macquarie Observatory from sunset during Tuesday-Thursday on Week 2 (or Week 3 if weather is bad). Data collected at the observatory will be used in the laboratory sessions.