310265 v.1 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.

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

The course is four years full-time or equivalent part-time study. Two intakes are offered each year in March and August. Prospective students should note that places may not always be available for the August intake.

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 Instituteof 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

Contact the Career Consultant, Division of Science and Engineering on (08) 9266 4816 or email: careers@vesta.curtin.edu.au or visit our website at http://scieng.curtin.edu.au.

Special Note

For details on the honours classes refer to the Curtin Policies website http://www.policies.curtin.edu.au/documents/honours_degrees_and_degrees_with_honours.doc

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
7908	v.4	Physical Measurements 201	3.0	25.0
8142	v.4	Physics 201	4.0	25.0
8648	v.3	Mathematical Methods 201	4.0	25.0
		SELECT OPTIONAL UNITS TO THE TOTAL VALUE OF:		25.0
				100.0
Year 2 Semester 2
310266	v.1	Astronomy 202	3.0	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.1	Astrophysics 301	3.0	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.1	Astronomy 302	3.0	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	4.0	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	Partially Online Internal^	External	Fully Online#
2008	Bentley Campus	Semester 1		Y
2008	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.