Enrolments for 2021 have closed.
Introduction to Astronomy and Astrophysics
Undergraduate | UNE-ASTY221 | 2021
Course information for 2021 intake View information for 2024 course intake
Gaze back at past views and explore current perspectives of the solar system and wider universe. Investigate astronomical instruments. Follow the life and death of stars. Unpack the big bang. Explore celestial bodies and exotic objects like black holes.
- Study method
- Online & on-campus
- Assessments
- Subject may require attendance
- Entry requirements
- Part of a degree
- Duration
- 16 weeks
FEE-HELP available
Introduction to Astronomy and Astrophysics
About this subject
Upon completion of this subject, students will be able to:
- identify basic concepts from the many areas of astronomy, including motions in the sky, gravity, electromagnetic radiation, solar system, stars and galaxies;
- recognise and apply the scientific method to solve astronomical problems and to critically evaluate hypotheses and theories proposed;
- analyse and interpret information in order to communicate solutions to unpredictable and sometimes complex problems in the field of astronomy; and
- demonstrate competence in, and/or understanding of, the use of basic astronomical instruments.
- Topics will be available to enrolled students in the subjects moodle site approximately one week prior to the commencement of the teaching period.
This subject describes our present understanding of the universe and how this knowledge has been obtained. Topics covered in the subject include: (1) a historical perspective of the changing view of the solar system and wider universe; (2) astronomical instruments and the physics behind astronomical observations; (3) the physical processes underlying the formation, lifespan. evolution and death of stars; (4) the expanding universe and the big bang; and (5) an account and physical explanation of exotic objects in the universe such as neutron starts, quasars, pulsars and black holes.
Assessment 1: Online Quizzes. 2000 words. Relates to Learning Outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4
Assessment 2: Laboratory work at intensive school or essay. Relates to Learning Outcomes 1, 2, 3
Final Examination: 2 hrs 15 mins. Must obtain at least 45% in the Final Examination and obtain an overall passing grade. Relates to Learning Outcomes: 1-4
There is a supervised exam at the end of the teaching period in which you are enrolled. The exam will be offered online with supervision via webcam and screen sharing technology. Coordinated by UNE Exams Unit.
UNE manages supervised exams associated with your UNE subjects.
Prior to census date, UNE releases exam timetables. They’ll email important exam information directly to your UNE email address.- Assessment 1 Online Quizzes (20%)
- Assessment 2 Laboratory work/Essay (30%)
- Final Examination (50%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
The University of New England is the only Australian public university to be awarded the maximum 5 stars for Overall Experience by the Good Universities Guide, 13 years in a row. UNE has delivered distance education since 1955—that’s longer than any other Australian university. Perhaps that’s why students continue to rate UNE so highly for student satisfaction and teaching quality. With over 170 degrees offered online, and more than 22,000 students, UNE is an expert in online education.
Learn more about UNE.
Explore UNE courses.
- QS Ranking 2024:
- 36
Entry requirements
To enrol in this subject, you must be admitted into a degree.
Additional requirements
- Equipment requirements - Headphones or speakers (required to listen to lectures and other media) Headset, including microphone (highly recommended) Webcam (may be required for participation in virtual classrooms and/or media presentations).
- Software requirements - Please refer students to link for requirements: http://www.une.edu.au/current-students/support/it-services/hardware It is essential for students to have reliable internet access in order to participate in and complete your units, regardless of whether they contain an on campus attendance or intensive school component.
- Travel requirements - Travel may be required to attend the Final Examination for this subject.
- Other requirements -
Textbook information is not available until approximately 8 weeks prior to the commencement of the Teaching period.
Students are expected to purchase prescribed material.
Textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next
Study load
- 0.125 EFTSL
- This is in the range of 10 to 12 hours of study each week.
Equivalent full time study load (EFTSL) is one way to calculate your study load. One (1.0) EFTSL is equivalent to a full-time study load for one year.
Find out more information on Commonwealth Loans to understand what this means to your eligibility for financial support.