Course description
Astrophysics: The Violent Universe
Interested in exploring the deadliest and most mysterious parts of our universe? Or, investigating black holes, which warp the very fabric of space-time around them?
We will look at what we know about these objects, and also at the many unsolved mysteries that surround them. We will also study white-dwarf stars and neutron stars, where the mind-bending laws of quantum mechanics collide with relativity. And, examine dwarf novae, classical novae, supernovae and even hypernovae: the most violent explosions in the cosmos.
This course is designed for people who would like to get a deeper understanding of astronomy than that offered by popular science articles and television shows.You will need reasonable high-school level Maths and Physics to get the most out of this course.
This is the third of four ANUx courses which together make up the Australian National University's first year astrophysics program. It follows on from a course on the Greatest Unsolved Mysteries of the Universe, and a course on exoplanets. It is not necessary to have done the previous courses first: all necessary background material is repeated here. It is followed by a course on cosmology.
Upcoming start dates
Suitability - Who should attend?
Prerequisites
High school maths and physics.
Outcome / Qualification etc.
What you'll learn
- An understanding of white dwarfs, novae, supernovae, neutron stars and black holes
- How physical principles including quanum mechanics and relativity help explain these bizarre objects
- How modern astrophysicists go about investigating these mysteries
Course delivery details
This course is offered through Australian National University, a partner institute of EdX.
2-4 hours per week
Expenses
- Verified Track -$50
- Audit Track - Free