Astronomy and Black Holes

The primary capabilities developed by this subject are:

Application capability: solve problems using knowledge of the basic laws of physics in an astronomical context; calculate the age and size of the observable universe; calculate basic properties of stars at all stages of their lifecycle. 

1. Knowledge capability: understand the basics of astronomical observation, and the determination of stellar properties; understand the processes leading to the formation and lifecycle of stars; understand stellar death and the formation of black holes from gravitational collapse; understand the meaning of singularity, event horizon and Schwarzschild radius and how they relate to Black Holes; describe and predict the basic properties of the universe, its age, size and fate; understand the fundamental assumptions of modern cosmology
2. Analysis capability: differentiate between the different forces governing stellar processes, including thermonuclear reactions, gravitational collapse, stellar pressure and the Pauli exclusion principle; be able to classify different stars based on simple spectral data and predict the future form this star will take using an H-R diagram; explain the Big Bang hypothesis and contrast this to competing theories of the formation of our Universe; relate the observational evidence for Black Holes to the theory of their size and effect on surrounding matter
3. Comprehension capability: grasp the tension between thermonuclear reactions and gravitational collapse which drives stars throughout their life and which produces cataclysmic results in the death of some; differentiate between the quantities which characterise our Universe and explain what each measures.