Objectives
This course focuses largely on things beyond the Earth, and with increasing automation of astronomical facilities, astronomy is a truly unique, international science. Even though we seem to be finding out more and more about astronomy every day, of the top ten questions in science there are more astronomy-related questions than any other. To meet the demands of being a successful astronomer, you will study a wide variety of fundamental sciences such as physics, mathematics and computing. You will also have the opportunity to undertake a high level research project as part of your studies in conjunction with practising astronomers. The first two years of this course will give you important fundamental knowledge and skills. From your second year you will be able to tailor your course through the selection of options to increase your background in specific astronomically-related areas, such as mathematics, scientific data acquisition, computational techniques and imaging processing. You will study advanced astronomy and astrophysics subjects in your final two years. Your fourth year will extend your knowledge of current academic research methodology as it is applied in the field of astronomy. You will demonstrate this knowledge through a supervised research project and preparation of an honours dissertation in conjunction with a research group or team.
Course description
Bachelor of Science (Astronomy)
BSc(Curtin); BSc(Hons)(Curtin)
Course CRICOS Code: 057748G
Registered full-time Duration for International Onshore Students on student visas: 4 Years
Introduction
With a focus largely on things beyond the earth, and the increasing automation of astronomical facilities, astronomy is a truly unique international science. Even though we seem to be finding out more and more about astronomy everyday, of the top ten questions in science there are more astronomy related questions than any other. The demands of being a successful astronomer requires students to study a wide variety of fundamental sciences, such physics, mathematics and computing. Students will also have the opportunity of undertaking high level research projects, as part of their studies, in conjunction with practising astronomers. Students concerned about studying in such a narrow field should consider that the complex skills learned during an astronomy degree are very widely marketable in other sciences and areas such as IT, business and finance. In addition many astronomical observatories are located all over the world and this degree should suit graduates who wish to travel and live abroad. Graduates are able to work almost anywhere in the world.
Career Opportunities
The ever-increasing power of computers and high-speed data processing networks has opened up the possibility of many new generation Radio Telescopes. The most exciting of these is being developed by an international consortium represented by 18 countries to develop a radio telescope that will be 100 times as sensitive as the best instruments available today - The Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project. One of the sites proposed for the SKA is Boolardy station in Western Australia. As a consequence, WA is expected to become home to millions of dollars of astronomy-related infrastructure and one of the leading research facilities in the world. The SKA project will involve thousands of scientists and technicians worldwide. The amount of high technology development required is enormous, and creates an increased demand for professional staff and graduates in the area of astronomy and related disciplines such as physics, mathematics, computing and engineering.
Astronomy graduates are not restricted to studying heavenly bodies, as their physics, mathematical and computational knowledge and skills, and ability to deal with very difficult concepts, make them readily employable in many other areas of science, business and technology. Astronomers are employed in areas that utilise high performance computational techniques, such as meteorological and climate study centres and financial institutions, while those with digital imaging processing skills are increasingly finding scope in disciplines which use these techniques.
Course Entry Requirements/Prerequisites
TEE Physics and Applicable Mathematics. TEE Calculus is desirable.
Specific Requirements
The STAT is not accepted for entry to this course. Well-performed students with high aggregates or other evidence of academic achievement who do not meet formal entry requirements may still be considered. Enquiries should be directed to the course coordinator / Head of Department.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Applications for recognition of prior learning are assessed on an individual basis.
Duration and Availability
Four years' full-time or equivalent part-time equivalent.
Course Organisation
The first two years of the course provide students with important fundamental knowledge and skills in physics, mathematics and computing. In the second year and subsequent years, students can tailor their course through the selection of options to increase their background in specific astronomically related areas, such as mathematics, scientific data acquisition, computational techniques and image processing. Advanced astronomy and astrophysics subjects are studied in the final four semesters. The final year extends knowledge of current academic research methodology as it is applied in the field of astronomy and students demonstrate this through the conduct of a supervised research project or preparation of an honours dissertation usually in conjunctionwith a research group or team.
Professional Recognition
The International Astronomical Union is the closest organization to a professional body for astronomers. Membership of the Union begins at PhD level and is not appropriate for bachelor level graduates and there is no other organisation either nationally or internationally that accredits bachelor level courses in astronomy. The course is not yet accredited but there is an expectation it will be because it meets current Australian Institute of Physics (AIP) accreditation for undergraduate physics courses. The Australian Institute of Physics regularly assesses Australian undergraduate courses with substantial astronomical content as being suitable for membership of the Institute. Graduates should therefore be eligible for entry into the Australian Institute of Physics Graduate Membership.
Career Opportunities
Employment opportunities in Astronomy are steadily increasing as scientists and technologists continually discover new ways of probing the cosmos and consortia of countries collaborate in major international projects. Astronomy graduates are not restricted to studying heavenly bodies, as their physics, mathematical and computational knowledge and skills, and ability to deal with very difficult concepts, make them readily employable in many other areas of science, business and technology. Astronomers are already employed in areas that utilise high performance computational techniques, such as meteorological and climate study centres, and financial institutions, while those with digital imaging processing skills are increasingly finding scope in disciplines which use these techniques.
Additional Course Expenses
Students may be expected to purchase a number of textbooks, readers and other essential study materials.
Further Information
For more information contact the Career Consultant, in the Faculty of Science and Engineering
Course Structure Disclaimer
Curtin University reserves the right to alter the internal composition of any course to ensure learning outcomes retain maximum relevance. Any changes to the internal composition of a course will protect the right of students to complete the course within the normal timeframe and will not result in additional cost to students through a requirement to undertake additional units.
Course Structure Hrs/Wk Credit
Year 1 Semester 1
1920 v.7 Software Technology 151 5.0 25.0
302804 v.3 Physics 101 4.5 25.0
307554 v.1 Science Communications 101 2.0 12.5
7062 v.6 Mathematics 101 5.0 25.0
OR
10926 v.5 Mathematics 103 5.0 25.0
7318 v.6 Astronomy 101 2.0 12.5
100.0
Year 1 Semester 2
1922 v.7 Software Technology 152 4.0 25.0
305415 v.3 Physics 102 4.5 25.0
307590 v.2 Statistical Data Analysis 101 3.0 12.5
7063 v.6 Mathematics 102 5.0 25.0
OR
7492 v.5 Mathematics 104 5.0 25.0
7329 v.6 Planetary Science 101 2.0 12.5
100.0
Year 2 Semester 1
311695 v.1 Observational Techniques in Astronomy 201 4.0 25.0
7908 v.4 Physical Measurements 201 3.0 25.0
8127 v.6 Advanced Calculus 201 4.0 25.0
8142 v.4 Physics 201 4.0 25.0
100.0
Year 2 Semester 2
310266 v.2 The Physics of Stars and Galaxies 201 3.5 25.0
7905 v.5 Mathematical Methods 202 4.0 25.0
7907 v.6 Particles and Waves 201 3.0 25.0
7909 v.4 Physical Measurements 202 3.0 25.0
100.0
Year 3 Semester 1
310267 v.2 Relativistic Astrophysics and Cosmology 301 4.0 25.0
9765 v.4 Quantum and Statistical Physics 301 4.0 25.0
SELECT OPTIONAL UNITS TO THE TOTAL VALUE OF: 50.0
100.0
Year 3 Semester 2
11592 v.3 Solid State Physics 302 2.0 25.0
310268 v.2 Exploring the Radio Universe 302 4.0 25.0
8717 v.6 Electromagnetism 302 3.0 25.0
SELECT OPTIONAL UNITS TO THE TOTAL VALUE OF: 25.0
100.0
Year 4 Semester 1
310269 v.1 Astronomy 401 3.0 25.0
310270 v.1 Astronomy Honours Dissertation 401 10.0 50.0
OR
310272 v.1 * Astronomy Project 401 5.0 25.0
SELECT OPTIONAL UNITS TO THE TOTAL VALUE OF: 25.0
100.0
Year 4 Semester 2
302743 v.2 Astrophysics 402 2.0 25.0
310271 v.1 Astronomy Honours Dissertation 402 10.0 50.0
OR
310273 v.1 * Astronomy Project 402 5.0 25.0
SELECT OPTIONAL UNITS TO THE TOTAL VALUE OF: 25.0
100.0
Optional Units (No Year Level Specified) Hrs/Wk Credit
10098 v.2 Mathematical Methods 301 4.0 25.0
10163 v.9 Introduction to Programming Environments 152 4.0 25.0
13457 v.2 Isotope Science 302 3.0 25.0
2519 v.16 Systems Programming and Design 251 3.0 25.0
302298 v.3 Analysis 202 4.0 25.0
302300 v.2 Applied Mathematical Modelling 302 4.0 25.0
302735 v.2 Physics 401 1.0 12.5
302737 v.2 Physics 402 4.0 25.0
308690 v.1 Computational Mathematics 301 4.0 25.0
308693 v.1 Mathematics Project 392 3.0 25.0
3999 v.4 Scientific Data Analysis 301 3.0 25.0
4515 v.5 Scientific Computing 201 4.0 25.0
4524 v.5 Computer Graphics 252 3.0 25.0
4533 v.5 Database Systems 252 3.0 25.0
7904 v.4 Scientific Data Acquisition 202 4.0 25.0
7911 v.7 Applied Optics 302 2.0 12.5
8462 v.4 Scientific Data Acquisition 201 3.0 25.0
9644 v.4 Scientific Data Analysis 302 3.0 25.0
* If 310272 Astronomy Project 401 and 310273 Astronomy Project 402 are selected students take an extra 25 credits of options per semester in fourth year.
Availability
Year Location Period All* Internal
2009 Bentley Campus Semester 1 Y
2009 Bentley Campus Semester 2 Y
The information displayed above refers to study periods and locations where the course is available for first time entry. Students are normally only offered or admitted to a course once.
*The course itself may not be available either solely internally or externally but individual units may be offered in either or both of those modes. Prospective students should contact the Course Coordinator for further information.
^Course and associated units are offered in this mode permitting International Onshore student enrolment.
#Course and associated units are offered in this online only mode and DO NOT permit International Onshore student enrolment.
