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AST80014 Major Project - Astronomy & Astrophysics

Course/s with Unit:
A unit of study in the Graduate Certificate of Science (Astronomy), Graduate Diploma of Science (Astronomy) and Master of Science (Astronomy).

Credit Points:
12.5 Credit Points

Duration:
One semester

Contact Hours:
Equivalent to 60 hours

Campus:
Off-campus

Prerequisites:
AST80005 Exploring the Solar System and AST80004 Exploring Stars & the Milky Way and AST80006 Galaxies and Their Place in the Universe or equivalent units.

Note: enrolment in this unit must be approved by the Program Coordinator.

Corequisites:
Nil.

Learning and Teaching Structure:
Online delivery mode, contact via newsgroups & email.

Assessment:
An electronic logbook (compulsory but not graded), scientific justification (20%), detailed project report (60%), short summary poster paper (20%).

Aims:
This Unit aims to develop the student's:

  • knowledge and understanding of the principles involved in a particular aspect or application of astronomy and/or astrophysics;
  • practical experience in the techniques involved in astronomy and/or astrophysics; 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.

Objectives:
After successfully completing this Unit, students should be able to:

  • demonstrate detailed knowledge of a particular aspect of astronomy & astrophysics;
  • write a project proposal which includes a research plan, the project aims, objectives and expected outcomes;
  • undertake independent research;
  • keep a comprehensive record of research methodologies and references/resources utilised;
  • write a detailed and summary report of techniques used, investigations undertaken and conclusions reached in the project; and
  • synthesise the research results in a short poster summary.

Content:
Students will undertake a substantial project using astronomy and/or astrophysics techniques.

Students must propose their own project topic, and supply the project title, the project aims and objectives, your proposed method of research, and (if possible) expected outcomes, plus references if appropriate. If your project depends on specific resources, you must demonstrate that these resources are available to you.

The proposed project is subject to approval by the SAO Coordinator.

Students must commence negotiations with the SAO Coordinator at least six weeks before Week 0 of the semester.

Each student will work closely with a supervisor assigned to their project, communicating and exchanging drafts via e-mail.

Prescribed Textbook & Reading Materials:
For information about the textbook, follow this link.

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