Skip Navigation | ANU Home | Search ANU | Student Admin | International

Overview | Summary of Courses

Offered By:	ANU College of Science
Academic Contact:	Geoff Bicknell
Areas of Interest:	Astronomy and Astrophysics

This specialisation is to provide a means for students entering the ANU from another institution to acquire comprehensive astrophysical knowledge before commencing research in the RSAA's PhD program.

 

Program Structure:

Students enrol in ASTR8001 Astronomy and Astrophysics Research Project. A major part of the program is a research project which may be either substantially observational or theoretical. The program may also include lecture courses co-taught with undergraduate students, and small courses/workshops which are currently offered to Honours candidates. The lecture courses may include ASTR6006 Galaxies and Cosmology, ASTR6007 Stellar Astrophysics and Dynamics and small courses/workshops such as Diffuse Matter in the Universe, High Energy Astrophysics, Planetary Science, Stellar Evolution and Observational Techniques, depending on the background knowledge and skills of the students. Approved courses offered by the Departments of Physics and Mathematics may also be included 

 

Typical program progression

Semester 1:  ASTR8001 Astrophysics Research Project (12 units) plus appropriate coursework from the above courses.

Semester 2:  ASTR8001 Astrophysics Research Project (12 units)  plus appropriate coursework from the above courses.

Prerequisites

A first or upper second class honours degree in Science with a substantial component of Physics and Mathematics

Requirements

The program requirements are completion of the research project ((ASTR8001) as at least fifty percent of the program. Coursework is tailored to suit the needs of the students.

Assessment

Assessment is designed to develop and evaluate the student skill objectives. Assignments are designed to build problem-solving expertise; essays help to produce a global view of a subject and demonstrate understanding of course content.  

The research project will give students research skills and acquaint them with state-of-the-art problems in contemporary astronomy. Presenting this research in a written thesis and in a formal colloquium provides students with essential skills in publication and dissemination of research.