Astrophysics

Welcome to an introduction to astrophysics!

Astrophysics (Astro = star, physics = nature) is the science that explores physics on a greater scale, aiming to explain the nature of space. These include the physical properties of stellar objects such as neutron stars, black holes, planets, dark matter, the motion of extraterrestrial objects, and the interstellar medium. An expansion of this is cosmology, which is theoretical astrophysics on a much larger scale.

Subject classification: this is an astrophysics resource.

Course Summary

Portal:Physical Sciences

School:Physics and Astronomy

Department: Astrophysics

Level: Secondary and Undergraduate

Educational level: this is a secondary education resource.

Educational level: this is a tertiary (university) resource.

Suggested Prerequisites: It is recommended that you have the following. If you have not brushed up on your skills in awhile or you are still in the learning process, you are encouraged to participate in the Wikiversity math and science resources before proceeding to more advanced study in radiation astronomy or physics.

Basic understanding of Algebra
Some exposure to basic Physics and Chemistry

Total Time Investment:

About 20 hours may be needed for all the resources.

Assessment Suggestions:

Try some of the quizzes!

Student Learning Goals

Following the end of this course, students should be able to:

know some of the differences between physics and radiation astronomy,
name at least one physics theory that has had some success in astronomy,
have an idea of what nucleosynthesis is,
be aware of at least one puzzle that astrophysics has yet to solve, and
name the most extensive medium in the Universe.

Resources

Introduction to astrophysics, an entry in Wikipedia.
Search for Introduction to astrophysics at Wikiversity

Learning materials

Learning materials and learning projects are located in the main Wikiversity namespace. Simply make a link to the name of the lesson (lessons are independent pages in the main namespace) and start writing!

You should also read about the Wikiversity:Learning model. Lessons should center on learning activities for Wikiversity participants. Learning materials and learning projects can be used by multiple projects. Cooperate with other departments that use the same learning resource.