Genuinely the best subject I've done at unimelb so far. I have zero astro/physics background (excluding a general interest in astronomy) and at no point did I find the content in this subject impossible to comprehend. The content was fascinating and the heads of the subject were clearly very passionate about their content. They were also very eager to answer questions and help with assessments. Some of the labs became a bit dry by the end of the semester, however, I acknowledge it must've been difficult to design labs in an online environment so I really can't hold it against the staff. The exam was a little challenging but not in a way that left me panicked or anxious. Overall, it is not difficult to do well in this subject if you work hard. Would definitely recommend this subject for anyone who has even a passing interest in astronomy.

Best subject I have ever done to date at unimelb. So fascinating, if you love learning about the universe and anything got to do with astronomy do it. I was concerned because I didn't do physics in high school, but I did this as a breadth and it was completely manageable. Would recommend that you have done at least up to year 10 maths though.

Absolutely loved this subject. Topics went into a fair bit of detail, but I still found it manageable even though I don't do any other physics or maths subjects. The lecturers were always keen to help or clarify and they even set up extra weekly zoom tutorials. Topics range from the formation of planets, stars, galaxies, all the way to Einstein's relativities, black holes, and dark matter and energy. The labs were done on Zoom, however I found them quite boring as most people in my breakout room never tried to engage. As well as this, I found that my demonstrator was quite harsh on marks making it harder to do well - especially for the 10 mark conclusions. The MST was challenging, but the results still followed a bell curve and we were told it would be scaled. Many practice exams with answers were provided, so I found the exam fairly easy, probably thanks to having my notes with me. As well as fact recollection, questions required application which resulted in a few people complaining it was too hard. Overall, a well taught and coordinated subject. Can be fairly content heavy some weeks but nothing too crazy. Recommended for anyone interested in astronomy, even if you're like me with no physics or maths background - it's very accessible. H1 is easily attainable if work is put in. 5 stars but leaning to 4.5 because labs were on Zoom and people were too shy to talk.

I would recommend this as a breadth for non-science students. As a science elective it was just ok. At least for me. As someone who did some cosmology in high school I expected this to be a walk in the park but the MST and exam really ruined it for me. "Application" questions that seemed to be completely unrelated to the lecture content and seemed to be made especially hard because they were open book, which I guess I understand but it also feels like they went overboard with the difficulty considering this is meant to be a super introductory class. I enjoyed the pracs (Emma is a legend) but the actual zoom workshops were useless and I kept them muted for most of the time. I think I was also lucky in having a fairly lenient demonstrator. The content also seemed to be kinda messily organised. To me it doesn't make much sense to do the solar system composition, then relativity mid-way through, and then stellar and galactic evolution. Overall it was okay, still managed to scrape an H1, but I think the fact that I took it during COVID made it a worse experience than anticipated based on older reviews.

The subject begins from our immediate solar system and ventures beyond. Some topics I found less interesting include the composition of all the solar system planets and history. Some topics I enjoyed were on dark matter and the future of the universe. If you come from a maths and physics background, the course is kind of like a science breadth for other faculties. There is little to none rigour or maths and the physics was 'dumb down'. Physics and maths students should take Astrophysics (PHYC30019) instead.

Really interesting subject!! I would highly recommend this subject to anyone, especially to those who are interested in cosmology! The content is mind-blowing and very engaging, lecturers were cool and the exam wasn't hard as well.

Amazing subject! The content is really fascinating. Tutorials were good too. My lab demonstrator was really cool. He explained everything so easily and so well. The exam was really straightforward! Would 10/10 recommend if you’re even slightly interested in cosmos

great subject!!! almost made me change my major. the content is super engaging. did not attend any lectures, but the labs are super fun and easy. My lab demonstrator was pretty fun too. would definitely recommend taking it

Great subject. Very interesting but also very content heavy. Make sure you choose a lab partner who actually puts in effort because the labs can make you pressed for time. Revise and do the practice exams because ALOT of the qns are just regurgitated from previous years.

This subject has a lot of content especially if you don't have physics background. There is very little math and physics actually required. There are a LOT of youtube videos and online resources to help you understand the content. All you have to do is stay up to date with your work. Practicals are a bit challenging sometimes so try work together with people