James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2001

PH1002:03

Astronomy: Evolution of the Universe

Townsville

26 lectures, 26 hours practicals. Second semester.

Staff: Assoc. Professor I Whittingham.

Solar system – formation and characteristics; stars – evolution; galaxies – structure and evolution; Galaxy clusters; cosmology – big bang, cosmic background radiation and dark matter.

Learning Objectives:

  1. develop an understanding of astronomy and the governing principles and laws;
  2. develop skills in applying laws and making predictions;
  3. develop an appreciation of the scales of size and distance and to appreciate the experimental tools of remote observation.

Assessment by 10 weekly projects (30%); major assignment (20%); end-of-semester examination (50%).