PVB220 Cosmology

Unit Outline: Semester 2 2024, Gardens Point, Internal

Overview

Cosmology is the study of the origin and evolution of the universe, from the Big Bang to the present. Topics presented include special and general relativity, the physics and geometry of space-time, inflationary cosmology, cosmic microwave background, dark energy and dark matter, supermassive black holes, gravitational waves, and the status of Australian cosmology surveys.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:

1. Explain the main principles of cosmology.
2. Select and apply correct equations to solve cosmological problems.
3. Write scientific reports in the form of physics journal articles.

Content

Learning Approaches

In this unit, you will participate through in-class and online lectures, collaborative learning modules (workshops), and projects to develop conceptual and applied knowledge and skills. You will develop your critical knowledge of cosmology and have an opportunity to apply this knowledge via a group-based project. You will also complete additional work in solving sets of problems, working with reference texts and other resource materials provided in lectures and online. You will be required to undertake private study to supplement and support the lectures and collaborative learning program. This unit will contribute actively to numerous learning attributes, such as problem-solving, critical thinking, written communication and interpersonal skills.

Feedback on Learning and Assessment

You will gain regular feedback in this unit by participating in the weekly workshop, which will be joined by community partners, academics, and your peers. You will also receive written feedback on your group-based project, which will relate to and inform your final assessment.

Assessment

Overview

This unit will be assessed through a:

• group-based project to prepare a scientific report in the form of a physics journal article, and
• a final written examination

The assessment pieces in this unit are designed to stimulate and engage you through practical work in the workshops, scientific observation, and working with peers to research and write a report for a mock physics journal. These assessment pieces will provide valuable learning experiences as well as ongoing formative feedback to integrate the knowledge and skills you have acquired throughout the astrophysics minor.

Unit Grading Scheme

7- point scale

Assessment Tasks

Assessment: Scientific Report

You will be required to work in a team of two or three to find and analyse astrophysical data and write a paper in the form required for submission to a physics journal. Drafts from individuals will be peer-reviewed to provide ongoing feedback throughout the semester.

This is an assignment for the purposes of an extension.

Assessment: Examination

Written or Timed Online Assessment Examination

If campus access is restricted at the time of the central examination period/due date, an alternative, which may be a Timed Online Assessment, will be offered. Individual students whose circumstances prevent their attendance on campus will be provided with an alternative assessment approach.

Academic Integrity

Students are expected to engage in learning and assessment at QUT with honesty, transparency and fairness. Maintaining academic integrity means upholding these principles and demonstrating valuable professional capabilities based on ethical foundations.

Failure to maintain academic integrity can take many forms. It includes cheating in examinations, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, and submitting an assessment item completed by another person (e.g. contract cheating). It can also include providing your assessment to another entity, such as to a person or website.

You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.

Further details of QUT’s approach to academic integrity are outlined in the Academic integrity policy and the Student Code of Conduct. Breaching QUT’s Academic integrity policy is regarded as student misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.

Resources

Resource Materials

Prescribed text(s)

An Introduction to Modern Astrophysics 2nd ed, Carroll and Ostlie, Pearson, ISBN 0-321-44284-9. (N.B. This is the same book used for PVB210 Stellar Astrophysics).

Risk Assessment Statement

In this unit you will undertake lectures and practicals in classrooms and lecture theatres. There are no extraordinary workplace health and safety issues associated with these components of the unit.