Overview

This unit aims to provide an interdisciplinary introduction to astronomy and the space environment, exploring the formation of our solar system, the physics of celestial bodies, and the history of space exploration. Students will engage with scientific concepts while also considering their broader impacts across fields such as technology, culture, history, and the environment. By examining the tools and missions that drive space discovery, students will develop scientific literacy alongside an appreciation for how space science intersects with diverse areas of human knowledge and inquiry.

Requisites

Prerequisites

NIL

Teaching periods
Location
Start and end dates
Last self-enrolment date
Census date
Last withdraw without fail date
Results released date

Unit learning outcomes

Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:

  1. Identify the key stages in the formation of our solar system, its major components, and the unique characteristics of the Earth and Moon.
  2. Recall historical and cultural perspectives on observing the cosmos, with a particular emphasis on Indigenous Knowledge systems and their contributions to sky observation.
  3. Outline the role and significance of satellites and space missions in exploring the solar system, and the scientific principles that guide their design and objectives.
  4. Recognize recent discoveries in exoplanets and the formation of other planetary systems, including factors that contribute to planetary habitability.
  5. Name major astronomical and space research facilities, highlighting Australia’s contributions to observing and understanding the universe.

Teaching methods

All applicable locations

Activity Type Hours per week Number of weeks Total (number of hours)

On-Campus Lecture

 2 12 weeks 24
On-Campus Class 2 12 weeks 24
Online Learning Activities 2 12 weeks 24
Unspecified Learning Activities (Independent Learning) 6.5 12 weeks 78
Total     150

Assessment

Type Task Weighting ULOs
Individual In-Class Exercises 15-25 % 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Individual/Group Essay 15-25 % 2, 3, 4
Individual/Group Oral Presentation 30-40 % 2, 3, 4, 5
Individual Online Quizzes 15-25 % 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Content

  • Changing understandings of the Earth and skies:  Archaeoastronomy, Indigenous knowledge, the heliocentric view, remote sensing and satellite observations.
  • Discovering the solar system: The Moon, terrestrial planets, gas giants, asteroid belts, comets and dust.
  • The formation of the solar system: Protostellar systems, protoplanet formation, bombardment and conditions for life on earth, exoplanets and habitability.
  • Exploring the solar system: Orbital dynamics, microgravity and the ISS, missions to the Moon, Mars, outer planets and asteroids.
  • The frontiers of discovery: NEO and planetary defense, situational awareness, dark skies, Kessler syndrome, the search for life beyond earth, Australian activities, roles, and contributions, lunar exploration as precursor and tested to Mars.

Study resources

Reading materials

A list of reading materials and/or required textbooks will be available in the Unit Outline on Canvas.