PHY2204 Astrophysics (FOSCI)

Units 1.0 (Astronomy) Band 2

Students will require access to e-mail and internet access to USQConnect for this course.

Synopsis

This course in astrophysics aims to provide a physical explanation of the Sun and stars. The Sun is our local star and one that is of great important to us. In addition, the Sun can inform us about other stars, and conversely, stellar studies can provide insight into the Sun's past, present behaviour and future. This course thus aims to provide a physical understanding of stars, with particular reference to our Sun. Access to a robotic telescope at Mt Kent Observatory is provided as part of this course, so that some practical experience can be gained in observational stellar astrophysics. This course begins with an introduction to how we can determine the basic properties of a star. It then addresses the question of how the stars shine, before focusing on the nature of the Sun, and its activity. This is followed by studies of stellar evolution, from star formation to the end of a star's life.