James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2023
For subject information from 2025 and onwards, please visit the new JCU Course and Subject Handbook website.
PH3021 - Physics of the Earth, Solar System, and Universe
| Credit points: | 03 |
| Year: | 2023 |
| Student Contribution Band: | Band 2 |
| Prerequisites: | MA2000 AND PH2002 AND PH2019 |
| Administered by: | College of Science and Engineering |
Subject Description
- This is an advanced course suitable for Physics students interested in various aspects of Earth, planetary, and space science. It covers an overview of the structure and evolution of Earth, planets, and astrophysical bodies, via the application of various theoretical concepts and fundamental principles of Physics. Proposed topics include: Earth structure, composition, and dynamics; global seismology, wave propagation, and free oscillations; plate structure, tectonics, and convection; earthquake sources, mechanism, and location; solar system formation; structure and properties of other planets; stellar formation and evolution; helioseismology; black holes; the cosmic microwave background; early Universe. The laboratory sessions will require use of Geophysical instruments as well as computational codes and analyses.
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate and apply theoretical concepts to describe quantitative aspects of Geophysics and Astrophysics
- Solve mathematical, numerical, and computation problems relating to planetary or stellar properties, dynamics, and evolution
- Collect, analyse, and interpret geophysical or astrophysical data, and produce a report to communicate experimental methods, observations, and analyses
Subject Assessment
- Written > Examination (centrally administered) - (40%) - Individual
- Written > Test/Quiz 1 - (20%) - Individual
- Written > Problem task - (10%) - Individual
- Written > Lab/Practical report - (30%) - Group & Individual
Note that minor variations might occur due to the continuous subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.
Availabilities
Townsville Bebegu Yumba, Study Period 1, Internal | |
| Census date: | Thursday, 23 Mar 2023 |
| Study Period Dates: | Monday, 20 Feb 2023 to Friday, 16 Jun 2023 |
| Coordinator(s): | DR Lauren Waszek |
| Lecturer(s): | DR Lauren Waszek |
| Workload expectations: | The student workload for this 3 credit point subject is approximately 130 hours.
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