ASP5000 · Advanced astrophysics research project

Overview

You will undertake an advanced research project involving original work on a topic chosen in consultation with an academic supervisor. The topic may be a continuation of research completed in ASP4000, enabling a deeper insight into a larger research problem. In this case, it is expected that the research outcomes will also be suitable for submission for publication in a peer-reviewed international journal. Alternatively, the project may be a separate topic to ASP4000, but the student must display a more mature research methodology than was required for ASP4000.

Areas of study: Master of Science in Astrophysics

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook does not list a final examination among the assessment items. That is not a guarantee there is none.

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

The Handbook lists no prerequisite, corequisite or prohibition for this unit.

Learning outcomes

1. Understand, use and explain the basic concepts and principles of the research literature which underpin the chosen area of astrophysics research.
2. Synthesise and interpret the knowledge gained in the study of the underpinning research literature. This leads to the ability to identify a niche topic or topics within this existing body of literature, which represents a gap in current knowledge. This problem should be suitable for original research.
3. Solve an outstanding problem or problems in the chosen area for original research.
4. Present the results of the original research in written form as a thesis, and also present key thesis results in oral form as a final seminar.
5. Defend the results of the original research in an oral exam.

Workload

48 hours per week which includes 36 hours of independent research; 7 hours of final seminar and thesis preparation; 3 hours attendance at group meetings, seminars colloquia; 1-hour specialist training and 1-hour consultation with a supervisor.

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.