The Cosmos: Birth and Evolution

In this "astronomy for poets" course, we take a grand tour of the universe! We will explore how our societies connect to our place in the cosmos, build your own personal awareness of how the Earth and sky relate, and gain an understanding of astronomy, astrophysics and planetary science, beginning with our Solar System and expanding outward to visit exotic stars, remote planets, and distant galaxies. During the journey we will learn about the ways we build this understanding, from voyaging Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa | the Pacific to mapping the structure and origin of the Universe itself. Suitable for inclusion in any course of study.

15 points

(1) PHYS109. (2) Students who have been credited with ASTR112 cannot subsequently be credited with ASTR109.

Astrophysics

A cutting-edge introduction to modern astrophysics for those potentially interested in further study, building your expertise in how to apply the tools of physics and mathematics to astronomical situations. We start by explaining how stars shine, and follow their evolution from birth to violent death. We explore the physics of our planetary system and strange new worlds around other stars. We then move out into the cosmos, viewing our own Galaxy across the electromagnetic spectrum: revealing the evidence for dark matter and supermassive black holes. Finally, we use our telescopes as time machines to look out and back in the Universe, studying other galaxy systems, and the origin and fate of the whole Universe. This course requires some mathematical skills; please contact the course organiser for details.

15 points