The School of Physics of the University of Sydney has astronomy/astrophysics research concentrated in the Institute of Astronomy. Research areas include stellar astrophysics, solar and space physics, galactic and extragalactic astrophysics, cosmology, plasma and theoretical astrophysics, and computational astrophysics. This research underpins our teaching program.

The School of Physics offers astronomy in each year of undergraduate study:

• Junior (1st) Year Physics - PHYS 1500 Astronomy is a wide-ranging review of astronomy aimed at interested students from all faculties.
• Intermediate (2nd) Year Physics - Introduction to Stellar Astrophysics is a module in the unit PHYS 2013 Astrophysics and Relativity (or PHYS 2913 at Advanced level). Topics covered include the observed properties of stars and then the stellar astrophysics that can be deduced, including stellar structure, formation, and evolution. The laboratory course includes components on stellar astrophysics and emission-line spectra.
• Senior (3rd) Year Physics - PHYS 3022 Astrophysics & High Energy Physics (or PHYS 3922 at Advanced level) covers the basic constituents of matter, the formation and evolution of stars and structure in the universe. Special projects (in PHYS 3918 or PHYS 3928) are also available, which involve working with staff on an astronomy research project.
• Physics Honours (4th year) - A variety of courses are offered each year, but recent topics include Cosmology and High Energy Astrophysics, Physics of the Standard Model, General Relativity, Solar and Space Physics and Plasma Astrophysics. Half of the Honours Program is a research project, which may be undertaken in one of the the astronomical research groups. This is an opportunity to carry out independent research in a current field, which may lead to a refereed journal publication.

For many years, staff of the School have also been active in the presentation of Astronomy courses to the general public through the University's Continuing Education Program. In recent years, a variety of Modern Astronomy courses have been given, together with bus tours to observatories in NSW.

For more information, contact John O'Byrne (j.obyrne@physics.usyd.edu.au).