This unit is a foundation course in astronomy, suitable for aspiring physicists/astronomers and non-scientists alike. Students intending to enter the Astronomy and Astrophysics stream are encouraged to enrol in PHYS270 in their first year. No prior knowledge of astronomy or physics is required. PHYS270 gives a broad underpinning of basic astronomical subjects and concepts but with the essential mathematical content.
A diverse range of astronomical topics are covered, starting with the solar system (Sun, moon, planets, comets etc) and then increasing in scale to galactic stars, nebulae, our own Milky-Way galaxy, galaxy clusters, quasars, black holes and basic cosmology. Key fundamental physical principles, theories and observational technologies are covered.
Experimental work is both hands-on and computer-based, and covers such areas as galaxy classification, eclipses, spectroscopy and geometrical optics. A session at the Division's observatory forms an integral part of the practical work.
