Overview | Honours | Summary of Courses

Offered By:	ANU Joint Colleges of Science
Academic Contact:	Professor Geoff Bicknell
Areas of Interest:	Astronomy and Astrophysics

Corequisite majors: Physics, Theoretical Physics, Mathematics or Mathematical Modelling

Description:

Astronomy and astrophysics is the study of everything beyond the Earth. It includes space exploration, planets, stars, galaxies, black holes, dark matter, quasars, cosmology and the Big Bang. Astronomers work in universities, at observatories, for various space agencies such as NASA and ESA, and at planetariums and science centres. Many ANU astronomy and astrophysics graduates can be found in these occupations.

Training in astronomy and astrophysics leaves you highly employable in many other fields. Astronomy graduates have mastered a wide range of mathematical, scientific, engineering and computational skills; this combination is very unusual and is much sought after by employers in diverse fields.

Learning Goals:

Students who complete the Astronomy and Astrophysics specialisation will be able to:

1. Use their knowledge and understanding of the key principles of all major areas of contemporary astronomy and astrophysics to critically analyse papers in the research literature, and to provide a foundation for original, advanced research.
2. Apply physical, mathematical and computational techniques to the solution of complex astrophysical problems.
3. Use statistical and computational techniques to analyse and interpret astronomical data and simulation results, with a realistic understanding of inherent limitations.
4. Work effectively as an individual and as part of a team, both in disciplinary and other contexts.
5. Communicate and present their knowledge of astronomy and astrophysics clearly to diverse audiences.

Requirements

This specialisation requires the completion of 24 units, which must include:

A total of 12 units from the following compulsory courses:

ASTR3002  Black Holes and the Universe

ASTR3007  From Stars to Galaxies

A total of 12 units to be chosen from the following courses:

ASTR3005  Astrophysics Research Topic

EMSC3022  Planetary Science

MATH3511  Scientific Computing

Advice to Students:

For students contemplating an Honours degree and/or graduate work in astronomy and astrophysics the fundamental requirement is a strong undergraduate program in physics and mathematics. The purpose of this specialisation minor is to provide you with sufficient background in astronomy and astrophysics so that you can confidently undertake significant research in this exciting discipline. Statistical analysis and computing are also important in astrophysical research and we strongly recommend that, if possible, you include at least some of STAT1003, STAT3008, COMP1730 and MATH3511 in your program of study.

Students should seek further course advice from the academic convener of the Astronomy and Astrophysics specialisation.

A specialisation in Astronomy and Astrophysics must be taken in conjunction with a Physics, Theoretical Physics, Mathematics or Mathematical Modelling major.

The information published on the Study at ANU 2012 website applies to the 2012 academic year only. All information provided on this website replaces the information contained in the Study at ANU 2011 website.