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ASPH-MAJ · Major · 48 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 two units at Level 1 (12 credit points), and - a minimum of three units at Level 3 (18 credit points) Astrophysics major requirements You must complete 48 credit points, comprising: - 6 credit points of Core Level 1 units; - 6 credit points of Additional Level 1 units; - 12 credit points of Core Level 2 units; - 18 credit points of Core Level 3 units; and - 6 credit points of Elective units. Progression to Honours requires completion of 24 credit points of relevant Level 3 units.

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 major in Astrophysics. Note 1: These supporting studies units can form part of your Part B Specified studies - Additional science studies. Note 2: For Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) and Bachelor of Science (E3007) double degree students, you must complete ENG1005, ENG2005 and MTH2040. Note 3: If you meet the prerequisites, you may consider replacing MTH1030 and MTH2010 with one or more of their advanced units: MTH1035 and MTH2015.

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

Core level one unit

6 cp

You must complete one unit (6 credit points) from the following list. Note: Your choice of Level 1 units 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

Additional level one 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 as an additional unit if you intend to progress in Astrophysics. Note 2: Your choice of Level 1 units will depend on your background and interests in Physics and Mathematics. Refer to the individual units for prerequisite requirements.

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

Core level 2 units

12 cp

You must complete two units (12 credit points) from the following list. Note: You complete one of ASP2011 or ASP2064.

  • ASP2011Astronomy6 cp
  • ASP2062Introduction to astrophysics6 cp
  • ASP2064Computation and data analysis in astrophysics6 cp

Core level 3 units

18 cp

You must complete three units (18 credit points) from the following list. 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.

  • ASP3012Stars and galaxies6 cp
  • ASP3051Relativity and cosmology6 cp
  • ASP3162Computational astrophysics and the extreme universe6 cp
  • ASP3231Observational astronomy6 cp

Elective unit

6 cp

You must complete one unit (6 credit points) chosen from the following list or from the Level 3 units listed above (not already completed). Note: PHS2360 and PHS3360 both have additional prerequisites. To enrol in either of these units, you must have achieved a minimum set of units and obtained permission from the unit coordinator.

  • 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

Source: 2027 handbook entry