SAO Units
The following units are available for students enrolled in the Masters degree, Graduate Diploma, Graduate Certificate and single-subject entry. Note that some units are prerequisites for others, and not all units are offered each semester. See below for unit scheduling details. Each unit carries 12.5 credit points, and each semester is 12 weeks in length. Four units (50 credit points) per semester is equivalent full-time load. Degrees are awarded as follows:| Graduate Certificate of Science | 50 credit points | 4 units |
| Graduate Diploma of Science | 100 credit points | 8 units |
| Master of Science | 150 credit points | 12 units |
HET602 Exploring the Solar System Unit Outline
- an introductory-level astronomy unit on our solar neighbourhood & the challenges of extraterrestrial exploration. No background knowledge of astronomy or physics is assumed and the emphasis is on conceptual astronomy, not mathematical techniques.
HET603 Exploring Stars and the Milky Way Unit Outline
- an introductory-level astronomy unit on the birth, life and death of stars and the structure of our galaxy. No background knowledge of astronomy or physics is assumed and the emphasis is on conceptual astronomy, not mathematical techniques.
HET604 Exploring Galaxies and the Cosmos Unit Outline
- an introduction to galaxies & galaxy clustering, theories of dark matter & galactic evolution. This unit assumes introductory, tertiary (post-secondary) level mathematics & physics, plus familiarity with the content of Exploring Stars and the Milky Way.
Prerequisite: HET603 Exploring Stars and the Milky Way or equivalent
HET605 Theories of Space and Time Unit Outline
- an introduction to Special & General Relativity and Cosmology. This unit will assume introductory, tertiary (post-secondary) level mathematics & physics, plus familiarity with the content of Exploring Galaxies and the Cosmos.
Prerequisite:HET604 Exploring Galaxies and the Cosmos or equivalent
HET606 Tools of Modern Astronomy Unit Outline
- telescopes and radiation: observing the Universe. The fundamentals of light and its detection from gamma rays to radio waves is discussed, as are cosmic rays, neutrinos and gravity waves. This unit will assume some introductory, tertiary (post-secondary) level mathematics & physics, plus familiarity with the content of Exploring Stars and the Milky Way.
Prerequisite: HET603 Exploring Stars and the Milky Way or equivalent
HET607 History of Astronomy Unit Outline
- the development & impact of astronomy from ancient times to the present day, from the viewpoint of practising astronomers. No background knowledge of astronomy or physics is assumed.
HET608 Introductory Radio Astronomy & SETI Unit Outline
- an overview of both single- and multiple-dish radio astronomy and their applications, plus a study of key issues and techniques in an area where radio astronomy plays a key part: the Search for Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence (SETI). This unit will assume introductory, tertiary (post-secondary) level mathematics & physics.
HET609 Astrophotography and CCD Imaging Unit Outline
- the principles behind the imaging of astronomical objects with telescopes, conventional cameras and CCD cameras, plus the use of computer techniques for image processing. This unit will focus particularly on techniques and equipment within reach of the (existing or intending) serious amateur astronomer, and will assume introductory, tertiary (post-secondary) level mathematics & physics, plus familiarity with the content of Exploring Stars and the Milky Way.
Prerequisite: HET603 Exploring Stars and the Milky Way or equivalent
HET610 Studies in Space Exploration Unit Outline
- commencing with an introductory section on the basic principles and issues and science goals in space exploration, this unit will trace the history and development of space exploration with particular reference to manned versus unmanned space exploration, spacecraft design, launch and navigation, imaging and remote sensing. Public perception of space science and analysis of the costs, risks & benefits of space exploration will be discussed with special reference to ethical and legal implications of topics such as the use of radioisotope fuel sources, 'space junk' and mining rights in space. Familiarity with the content of HET602 Exploring the Solar System will be assumed, plus introductory tertiary (post-secondary) level mathematics & physics (or equivalent).
Prerequisite: HET602 Exploring the Solar System or equivalent
HET611 Stellar Astrophysics Unit Outline
- following on from HET603, Exploring Stars & the Milky Way, this unit introduces the student to the study of the physical processes underlying stellar properties and the principles behind models of stellar evolution. It will assume introductory, tertiary (post-secondary) level mathematics & physics, plus familiarity with the content of Exploring Stars and the Milky Way.
Prerequisite: HET603 Exploring Stars and the Milky Way or equivalent
HET612 Major Project - History of Astronomy Unit Outline / Project List
- develops the participants detailed knowledge and understanding of a particular aspect or period of the history of astronomy; and practical literature and Internet research skills, plus synthesis and communication skills. It assumes familiarity with the content of History of Astronomy.
Prerequisite:HET607 History of Astronomy or equivalent
HET614 Introduction to Particle Physics and High Energy Astrophysics Unit Outline
- providing a general introduction to particle physics in general and to modern high-energy astrophysics in particular, this unit assumes familiarity with Theories of Space and Time, plus introductory tertiary (post-secondary) level mathematics and physics (or equivalent).
Prerequisite: HET605 Theories of Space and Timeor equivalent
HET615 Major Project - Observational Astronomy Unit Outline / Project List
- develops the participant's detailed knowledge and understanding of the principles involved in a particular aspect or application of astrophotography and/or CCD imaging; practical experience in the techniques involved in astrophotography and/or CCD imaging; and ability to keep a comprehensive record of experimental investigations, to write a detailed summary report of techniques used and investigations undertaken, and to communicate effectively about the outcomes of their work. It assumes familiarity with the content of Astrophotography and CCD Imaging.
Prerequisite: HET609 Astrophotography and CCD Imaging or equivalent
HET616 Great Debates in Astronomy Unit Outline
- investigates in depth the great debates in astronomy which have shaped (or still are shaping) our current understanding of the universe and its evolution. This unit assumes familiarity with Exploring Galaxies and the Cosmos, History of Astronomy, plus introductory tertiary (post-secondary) level mathematics and physics (or equivalent).
Prerequisites:HET604 Exploring Galaxies and the Cosmos or equivalent, and HET607 History of Astronomy or equivalent. HET617 Major Project - Computational Astrophysics Unit Outline / Project List
- participants will choose from a range of computational astrophysics topics through which they will learn about specific astrophysical concepts with the aid of computer simulations. This will also give participants a grounding in computer modelling and an appreciation of the ability of science and computers to make complex phenomena understandable. Students will gain a deep understanding - via numerical experiments - of the physics which governs the dynamics of the asteroid belt, the evolution of stars and binaries, the orbits of stars within the galaxy, and galaxy-galaxy interactions. This unit assumes familiarity with Exploring Galaxies and the Cosmos, plus introductory tertiary (post-secondary) level mathematics and physics (or equivalent).
Prerequisite: HET604 Exploring Galaxies and the Cosmos or equivalent (and note that some modules will also have additional prerequisites of HET602 or HET611) HET618 Astrobiology and the Origins of Life Unit Outline
- provides an overview of the multi-disciplinary nature of astrobiology - combining geology, chemistry, biology and astronomy. It will investigate the origins and evolution of life on Earth, the interaction between life and its environment, and the search for life elsewhere in the Solar System and beyond. This unit assumes familiarity with Exploring the Solar System , Exploring Stars and the Milky Way, plus introductory tertiary (post-secondary) level mathematics and physics (or equivalent).
Prerequisite:HET602 Exploring the Solar System and HET603 Exploring Stars and the Milky Wayor equivalent
Scheduling Details
(subject to change) Notes:*Indicates which Units do not have prerequisites.
#HET614 and HET616 will not be offered from 2010.
| Code | Unit | Credit Points | |
| Semester 1 (March - May) |
Semester 2 (August - November) | ||
| HET602 | Exploring the Solar System* | 12.5 | 12.5 |
| HET603 | Exploring Stars & the Milky Way* | 12.5 | 12.5 |
| HET604 | Exploring Galaxies & the Cosmos* | 12.5 | 12.5 |
| HET605 | Theories of Space & Time | 12.5 | not offered |
| HET606 | Tools of Modern Astronomy | not offered | 12.5 |
| HET607 | History of Astronomy* | 12.5 | 12.5 |
| HET608 | Introductory Radio Astronomy & SETI* | 12.5 | 12.5 |
| HET609 | Astrophotography & CCD Imaging | 12.5 | not offered |
| HET610 | Studies in Space Exploration | 12.5 | not offered |
| HET611 | Stellar Astrophysics | 12.5 | not offered |
| HET612 | Major Project - History of Astronomy | 12.5 | 12.5 |
| HET614 | Introduction to Particle Physics & High Energy Astrophysics# | not offered | 12.5 |
| HET615 | Major Project - Observational Astronomy | not offered | 12.5 |
| HET616 | Great Debates in Astronomy# | not offered | 12.5 |
| HET617 | Major Project - Computational Astrophysics | not offered | 12.5 |
| HET618 | Astrobiology and the Origins of Life | 12.5 | not offered |