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ASPH-EXTN · Extended major · 72 credit points

Astrophysics

Available in Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science Advanced - Global Challenges (Honours), Bachelor of Science Advanced - Research (Honours)

Rules for completing this course

You must complete: - A maximum of four units at Level 1 (24 credit points); and - A minimum of four units at Level 3 (24 credit points). Astrophysics extended major requirements You must complete 72 credit points, comprising: - 6 credit points of Core Level 1 units; - 6 credit points of Additional Level 1 units; - 36 credit points of Core advanced units; and - 24 credit points of Elective units.

Core level 1 unit

6 cp

You must complete one unit (6 credit points) from the following list. Your selection will depend on your background and interests in Physics and Mathematics. Refer to the individual units for prerequisite requirements.

  • PHS1002Physics for engineering6 cp
  • PHS1022Fields and quantum physics6 cp

Elective units

24 cp

You must complete four units (24 credit points) from the following list, or a Level 3 mathematics unit approved by the School of Physics and Astronomy Level 3 coordinator, or a Level 1 unit from above not already completed. Note: You can complete a maximum of one unit (6 credit points) at Level 1 as part of your Elective units.

  • PHS2061Quantum and thermal physics6 cp
  • PHS2081Atomic, nuclear and condensed matter physics6 cp
  • PHS3000Experimental physics6 cp
  • PHS3101Quantum mechanics6 cp
  • PHS3201Classical dynamics and field theory6 cp
  • PHS3102Statistical and condensed matter physics6 cp
  • PHS3202Wave optics and atomic physics6 cp
  • PHS3302Relativity and particle physics6 cp
  • ASP1010Earth to cosmos: Introductory astronomy6 cp
  • ASP1022Life in the universe: Astrobiology6 cp
  • ASP2064Computation and data analysis in astrophysics6 cp
  • PHS2062Electromagnetism and optics6 cp
  • PHS2350Physics and astronomy introductory research project 16 cp
  • PHS2360Physics and astronomy introductory research project 26 cp
  • PHS3350Physics and astronomy research project 16 cp
  • PHS3360Physics and astronomy research project 26 cp

Supporting studies in Mathematics

Astrophysics is an area of study that benefits from supporting studies in Mathematics. This entry lists the requirements of the mathematics supporting studies required for progression in the extended major in Astrophysics. Note 1: These supporting studies units can form part of your Part B Specified studies - Additional science studies. Note 2: If you meet the prerequisites, you may consider replacing MTH1030 and MTH2010 with one or more of their advanced units: MTH1035 and MTH2015. Note 3: For Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) and Bachelor of Science (E3007) double degree students, you must complete ENG1005, ENG2005 and MTH2040.

  • MTH1030Techniques for modelling6 cp
  • MTH2010Multivariable calculus6 cp
  • MTH2032Differential equations with modelling6 cp

Additional level 1 unit

6 cp

You must complete one unit (6 credit points) from the following list. Note 1: ASP1010 and ASP1022 are taught as descriptive units with an emphasis on conceptual understanding. They are accessible to students without any specific background in science or mathematics. ASP1010 is strongly recommended if you intend to progress in Astrophysics. Note 2: Your selection will depend on your background and interests in Physics and Mathematics. Refer to the individual units for prerequisite requirements.

  • ASP1010Earth to cosmos: Introductory astronomy6 cp
  • ASP1022Life in the universe: Astrobiology6 cp
  • PHS1001Foundation physics6 cp
  • PHS1011Classical physics and relativity6 cp
  • PHS1031Physics for the living world6 cp

Core advanced units

36 cp

You must complete the following units. Note 1: You must complete MTH2010 and MTH2032 (listed under Supporting studies) prior to enrolling in Level 3 astrophysics units. Note 2: If you are an Engineering student, you must complete ENG2005 and MTH2040 (listed under Supporting studies) prior to enrolling in Level 3 astrophysics units.

  • ASP2011Astronomy6 cp
  • ASP2062Introduction to astrophysics6 cp
  • ASP3012Stars and galaxies6 cp
  • ASP3051Relativity and cosmology6 cp
  • ASP3162Computational astrophysics and the extreme universe6 cp
  • ASP3231Observational astronomy6 cp

Source: 2027 handbook entry