Astrophysics: The Violent Universe from edX

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. These courses compromise the Astrophysics XSeries. Learn more about the XSeries program and register for all the courses in the series today!

What's inside

Learning objectives

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

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

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Builds a strong foundation for beginners interested in learning about black holes and other astrophysical phenomena

Strengthens an existing foundation for intermediate learners of astronomy

Taught by Brian Schmidt and Paul Francis, both of whom are leaders in the field

Part of the Australian National University's first year astrophysics program, indicating a rigorous and comprehensive curriculum

Requires reasonable high-school level Maths and Physics, which may not be suitable for learners with no prior knowledge in these areas

May not be suitable for learners who are not interested in pursuing a career in astronomy or astrophysics

Reviews summary

Positive and engaging astrophysics course

According to students, Astrophysics: The Violent Universe is a positive and engaging astrophysics course. Learners say the course presents the latest information, has engaging assignments, and is well-taught. Those taking this course should be prepared for some mathematics and problem-solving, and should take the courses in order for the best experience.

This course involves problem solving.

"There is a little bit of mathematics, but mostly you just need to think through the problems."

Students describe this course as engaging with interesting content and interactive assignments.

"I found the ANU Astrophysics MOOCs quite engaging, with the latest information being presented."

"The easiest thing is to take these courses in order, so that Cosmology doesn't surprise you."

This course provides the latest information on astrophysics.

"I found the ANU Astrophysics MOOCs quite engaging, with the latest information being presented."

There is math involved in this course.

"There is a little bit of mathematics, but mostly you just need to think through the problems."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Astrophysics: The Violent Universe with these activities:

Watch videos on black holes and spacetime

Show steps

Develop a foundational understanding of these topics for the later parts of the course.

Browse courses on Black Holes

Show steps

Search for videos on YouTube or other video sharing platforms
Watch videos that explain the concepts of black holes and spacetime
Take notes on important concepts and equations

Review Newton's laws, kinematics, and dynamics

Show steps

Refresh your physics skills to better understand the motion of celestial bodies

Browse courses on Mechanics

Show steps

Find practice problems online or in a textbook
Solve practice problems related to Newton's laws
Check your answers against the provided solutions
Review concepts that you find challenging

Read Concepts of Modern Astrophysics by A. Liddle

Show steps

Prepare for the course by surveying black holes, supernovae, and the structure of neutron stars.

View An Introduction to Modern Cosmology on Amazon

Show steps

Read the Table of Contents, Preface, and first chapter to assess whether you want to continue reading
Summarize the main arguments of each chapter in your own words
Research concepts, such as quantum mechanics, relativity, and electromagnetism, that are unfamiliar to you

Five other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all eight activities

Attend an astronomy club meeting or stargazing event

Show steps

Meet other enthusiasts and explore the night sky

Browse courses on Astronomy

Show steps

Find a local astronomy club or stargazing event
Attend the event and participate in activities
Talk to other attendees about astronomy and share your knowledge

Build a model of a star

Show steps

Apply your knowledge of stellar structure and evolution by creating a physical model

Browse courses on Stars

Show steps

Gather materials such as paper, cardboard, and paint
Research different types of stars and choose one to model
Design and create a model that represents the structure and features of the chosen star
Label the different parts of the model and explain their functions

Participate in a workshop on astrophysics data analysis

Show steps

Develop practical skills in analyzing and interpreting astrophysics data

Browse courses on Astrophysics

Show steps

Find a workshop on astrophysics data analysis
Attend the workshop and participate in hands-on exercises
Learn about different data analysis techniques and tools
Apply your skills to real-world astrophysics data

Write a blog post about the latest discoveries in astrophysics

Show steps

Stay up-to-date with the field and practice communicating scientific concepts.

Browse courses on Astrophysics

Show steps

Research recent astrophysics discoveries
Write a blog post that explains the discovery in a clear and engaging way
Share your blog post on social media or other platforms
Respond to comments and questions from readers

Develop a presentation on a specific astrophysics topic

Show steps

Research a specific topic, synthesize your understanding, and present it effectively

Browse courses on Astrophysics

Show steps

Choose an astrophysics topic to research
Research the topic thoroughly and gather relevant information
Organize your information into a logical and coherent structure
Create a presentation using visual aids and clear language
Practice your presentation and get feedback from others

Career center

Learners who complete Astrophysics: The Violent Universe will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Astronomer

Astronomers study the universe and its contents, including stars, planets, galaxies, and other objects. They use telescopes, satellites, and other instruments to collect data on these objects and study their properties.

See salaries and explore the career path for Astronomer

Planetary Scientist

Planetary scientists study the physical properties of planets, moons, and other objects in our solar system.

See salaries and explore the career path for Planetary Scientist

Space Scientist

Space scientists study the physical properties of space, including the sun, the planets, and the galaxies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Space Scientist

Cosmologist

Cosmologists study the origin and evolution of the universe. They use telescopes, satellites, and other instruments to collect data on the universe and study its properties.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cosmologist

Astrophysicist

Astrophysicists study the physical properties of celestial objects and phenomena. They use telescopes, satellites, and other instruments to collect data on stars, planets, galaxies, and other objects in space. This course can help you build a foundation in astrophysics, which is essential for a successful career in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Astrophysicist

Experimental Physicist

Experimental physicists design and conduct experiments to test theories and study the physical properties of the universe. They use a variety of instruments and techniques to study the properties of matter, energy, and space-time.

See salaries and explore the career path for Experimental Physicist

Theoretical Physicist

Theoretical physicists develop and test theories to explain the physical properties of the universe. They use mathematics and computer simulations to study the properties of matter, energy, and space-time.

See salaries and explore the career path for Theoretical Physicist

High Energy Physicist

High energy physicists study the properties of matter and energy at very high energies. They use a variety of instruments and techniques to study the properties of high-energy particles, including their mass, charge, and spin.

See salaries and explore the career path for High Energy Physicist

Particle Physicist

Particle physicists study the fundamental particles that make up matter and the forces that act between them. They use a variety of instruments and techniques to study the properties of particles, including their mass, charge, and spin.

See salaries and explore the career path for Particle Physicist

Nuclear Physicist

Nuclear physicists study the structure and properties of atomic nuclei. They use a variety of instruments and techniques to study the properties of nuclei, including their size, shape, and composition.

See salaries and explore the career path for Nuclear Physicist

Computational Physicist

Computational physicists use computers to simulate and model physical systems. They use a variety of software and techniques to study the properties of physical systems, including their behavior, structure, and dynamics.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computational Physicist

Data Scientist

Data scientists use data to solve problems and make decisions. They use a variety of software and techniques to collect, clean, and analyze data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Mathematician

Mathematicians use mathematics to solve problems and make predictions. They use a variety of mathematical techniques to study the properties of numbers, shapes, and other mathematical objects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mathematician

Software Engineer

Software engineers design, develop, and maintain software systems. They use a variety of programming languages and techniques to create software that meets the needs of users.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Computer Scientist

Computer scientists study the theory and practice of computing. They use a variety of programming languages and techniques to create software and solve problems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Scientist