Students
ASTR3010 – Astrophysics of Radiation and Stars
2021 – Session 1, Special circumstances, North Ryde
Notice
As part of Phase 3 of our return to campus plan, most units will now run tutorials, seminars and other small group activities on campus, and most will keep an online version available to those students unable to return or those who choose to continue their studies online.
To check the availability of face-to-face and online activities for your unit, please go to timetable viewer. To check detailed information on unit assessments visit your unit's iLearn space or consult your unit convenor.
General Information
Download as PDF
| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Convenor
Richard McDermid
Contact via 0298504476
E6B/7WW 2.603
Orsola De Marco
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|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
10
|
| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
(ASTR278 or ASTR2020) and (PHYS202 or PHYS2020)
|
| Corequisites |
Corequisites
|
| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
|
| Unit description |
Unit description
The first part of this unit covers the physical mechanisms responsible for the generation, absorption and scattering of light in environments as diverse as rarefied nebulae, hot compact stellar atmospheres and distant galaxies. During the second part of the unit the theory of stellar structure and evolution is developed. Students become familiar with spectroscopic observations and the python programming language, and carry out a project using computer models of how stars live and die. |
Important Academic Dates
Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- ULO1: discuss principles and difficulties of observational methods that allow us to interpret the physical characteristics of an astronomical object based on the light we receive from it.
- ULO2: demonstrate knowledge of the way radiation interacts with matter in different astrophysical environments through solving radiative transfer problems.
- ULO3: describe the internal structure of our Sun and stars other than the Sun, and explain the key observational properties of different types of stars.
- ULO4: apply the equations of stellar structure and the simplifications that lead to polytropic stellar models.
- ULO5: explain the processes and physics involved in stellar evolution, including the processes that bring about stellar death.
- ULO6: apply computational techniques to model physical phenomena in different astrophysical environments using the Unix environment and elements of the python computing language.
- ULO7: design, conduct, analyse and report on observational experiments related to measuring the radiation from stars, galaxies and other astronomical objects in order to determine their properties.
General Assessment Information
The 'estimated time on task' for each assessment item is an estimate of the additional time needed to complete each assessment outside of all scheduled learning activities. These estimates assume that you actively engage with all scheduled learning activities and spend an additional 24 hours of self-led study during the session.
Hurdle tasks
This unit has hurdle requirements, specifying a minimum standard that must be attained in aspects of the unit.
You must obtain a mark of at least 40% in the final exam and laboratory project to be eligible to pass the unit. If your mark in these assessments is between 30% and 39% inclusive, you may be a given a second and final chance to attain the required level of performance. Note that the mark awarded for the second assessment towards your final unit mark will be capped at 40%, and you will be allowed to sit the second exam only if this mark would be sufficient to pass the unit overall.
Supplementary examinations
If you receive special consideration for the final exam, a supplementary exam will be scheduled in the interval between the regular exam period and the start of the next session. By making a special consideration application for the final exam you are declaring yourself available for a resit during the supplementary examination period and will not be eligible for a second special consideration approval based on pre-existing commitments. Please ensure you are familiar with the policy prior to submitting an application. You can check the supplementary exam information page on FSE101 in iLearn (bit.ly/FSESupp) for dates, and approved applicants will receive an individual notification one week prior to the exam with the exact date and time of their supplementary examination.
If you are given a second opportunity to sit the final examination as a result of failing to meet the minimum mark required, you will be offered that chance during the same supplementary examination period and will be notified of the exact day and time after the publication of final results for the unit.
Late Assessments Policy
The non-examination assessment components should be submitted via iLearn 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 provisions for Special Considerations.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assignments | 20% | No | Various deadlines throughout the semester |
| Final examination | 40% | Yes | University Exam Period |
| Project | 20% | Yes | Week 13 |
| Observational Analysis Task | 20% | No | Start of Week 7 |
Assignments
Assessment Type 1: Problem set
Indicative Time on Task 2: 18 hours
Due: Various deadlines throughout the semester
Weighting: 20%
A series of assignments throughout the session
On successful completion you will be able to:
- discuss principles and difficulties of observational methods that allow us to interpret the physical characteristics of an astronomical object based on the light we receive from it.
- demonstrate knowledge of the way radiation interacts with matter in different astrophysical environments through solving radiative transfer problems.
- describe the internal structure of our Sun and stars other than the Sun, and explain the key observational properties of different types of stars.
- apply the equations of stellar structure and the simplifications that lead to polytropic stellar models.
- explain the processes and physics involved in stellar evolution, including the processes that bring about stellar death.
Final examination
Assessment Type 1: Examination
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: University Exam Period
Weighting: 40%
This is a hurdle assessment task (see assessment policy for more information on hurdle assessment tasks)
Examination during the exam period covering all content from the unit.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- discuss principles and difficulties of observational methods that allow us to interpret the physical characteristics of an astronomical object based on the light we receive from it.
- demonstrate knowledge of the way radiation interacts with matter in different astrophysical environments through solving radiative transfer problems.
- describe the internal structure of our Sun and stars other than the Sun, and explain the key observational properties of different types of stars.
- apply the equations of stellar structure and the simplifications that lead to polytropic stellar models.
- explain the processes and physics involved in stellar evolution, including the processes that bring about stellar death.
Project
Assessment Type 1: Project
Indicative Time on Task 2: 10 hours
Due: Week 13
Weighting: 20%
This is a hurdle assessment task (see assessment policy for more information on hurdle assessment tasks)
Project involving computer programming, astrophysical interpretation, report and presentation
On successful completion you will be able to:
- apply computational techniques to model physical phenomena in different astrophysical environments using the Unix environment and elements of the python computing language.
Observational Analysis Task
Assessment Type 1: Lab report
Indicative Time on Task 2: 0 hours
Due: Start of Week 7
Weighting: 20%
A report on the outcomes of collection and analysis of observational data.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- apply computational techniques to model physical phenomena in different astrophysical environments using the Unix environment and elements of the python computing language.
- design, conduct, analyse and report on observational experiments related to measuring the radiation from stars, galaxies and other astronomical objects in order to determine their properties.
1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:
- the academic teaching staff in your unit for guidance in understanding or completing this type of assessment
- the Writing Centre for academic skills support.
2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation
Delivery and Resources
Your lecturers are Associate Professor Richard McDermid and Professor Orsola De Marco.
Lectures will be provided as online videos, posted weekly at the scheduled lecture time.
Weekly tutorials will be on campus, and will be used to go through problem sets, worked examples, and Q&A from lectures.
Lab sessions will be conducted on campus in the Physics and Astronomy computer lab, and will make use of Python Notebooks, running on the Google CoLab environment. Note that labs start in Week 1.
Labs during the first half of the unit will involve using the campus observatory to obtain high-resolution spectra of stars with the Macquarie University Learning and Teaching Spectrograph. This will involve supervised night time observing on campus during weeks 3 and 4. Each student will attend one observing night during this period - please make sure you can attend campus from 8pm-11pm on your allocated night. More details will be provided during the week 1 lab session, and posted on iLearn.
Links to lecture videos, lecture notes, and lab resources, as well as any relevant announcements, will be provided via iLearn. There is no required text, but the course will be closely based on material drawn from one of our favourite books: "An Introduction to Modern Astrophysics" by Carroll and Ostlie.
Unit Schedule
Week 1: Introduction to stars and astrophysical radiation
Week 2: Properties of radiation fields
Week 3: Saha and Boltzmann Equations
Week 4: Atomic processes
Week 5: Radiative transfer
Week 6: Opacity in stellar interiors
Week 7: Stellar structure equations
Week 8: Thermodynamics and convection
Week 9: Stellar energy generation and nucleosynthesis
Week 10: Stellar evolution
Week 11: The evolution of massive stars
Week 12: Stellar remnants
Week 13: Interacting stars
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
- Academic Appeals Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progression Policy
- Assessment Policy
- Fitness to Practice Procedure
- Grade Appeal Policy
- Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public
- Special Consideration Policy
Students seeking more policy resources can visit Student Policies (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/policies). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.
To find other policies relating to Teaching and Learning, visit Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au) and use the search tool.
Student Code of Conduct
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/admin/other-resources/student-conduct
Results
Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au
Student Support
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
Learning Skills
Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to help you improve your marks and take control of your study.
The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources.
Student Services and Support
Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.
Student Enquiries
For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au
If you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au
IT Help
For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/.
When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.
Changes from Previous Offering
2021 is the first year that we will be using the campus observatory and L&T Spectrograph in this unit.
Unit information based on version 2021.03 of the Handbook