2010 Course Handbook
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ASTR278: Advanced Astronomy
This unit is intended to give students the appropriate background and theoretical understanding of astronomical observations—including the latest techniques and technology—across a broad range of the electromagnetic spectrum. The role of fibre optics in astronomy and the power of active and adaptive optics is explored. Key concepts of multi-wavelength imaging and spectroscopy are discussed. This is coupled with essential coverage of celestial coordinates, time and precession. The unit also specifically covers the effects of the earth’s atmosphere; detection theory and detectors; and associated image processing and enhancement techniques (including the use of Fourier transforms). The unit covers the fundamentals of radio, X-ray, UV, infrared and cosmic-ray astronomy. Neutrino and gravitational-wave detector technologies are also covered. This unit involves practical experiments based on some of these concepts and may involve evening work at the University's optical and radio observatory. Completing students learn to write a credible observing proposal.
| Credit Points: | 3 |
| Contact Hours: | 7 |
| When Offered: | D2 - Day; Offered in the second half-year |
| Staff Contact(s): | Physics staff |
| Prerequisites: |
(3cp from MATH132-MATH136) and (PHYS140 or PHYS143 or PHYS149 or PHYS159) |
| Corequisites: | |
| NCCW(s): | PHYS278 |
| Unit Designation(s): | |
| Assessed As: | Graded |
| Offered By: | Department of Physics and Astronomy |
Timetable Information
For unit timetable information please visit the Timetables@Macquarie Website .