Overview

This unit aims to immerse students in contemporary astrophysics research and develop transferable research skills through a self-driven, semester-long project within the Centre for Astrophysics and Supercomputing. Supported by weekly on-campus classes, students will engage in practical, hands-on learning, discussing and honing relevant research skills while exploring key topics in current astrophysics research. This approach ensures a balance of independence and support, fostering a practical and applicable understanding of astrophysics.

Requisites

Prerequisites
AST20004 Introduction to Supercomputing
Teaching periods
Location
Start and end dates
Last self-enrolment date
Census date
Last withdraw without fail date
Results released date

Unit learning outcomes

Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:

  1. Develop and demonstrate research and project management skills to execute an astrophysics research project.
  2. Identify and engage with current research topics in astrophysics.
  3. Communicate professionally in written form to researchers by the production of a project report.
  4. Communicate professionally in an oral presentation to peers and researchers.

Teaching methods

All applicable locations

Activity Type Hours per week Number of weeks Total (number of hours)

On-Campus Class

 2 12 weeks 24
Supervisor Meetings 1 12 weeks 12
Online Specified Activities 1 12 weeks 12
Unspecified Learning Activities (Independent Learning) 8.5 12 weeks 102
Total     150

Assessment

Type Task Weighting ULOs
Individual Portfolio 10-30 % 1, 2
Individual Oral Presentation 20-30 % 1, 2, 3, 4
Individual Project Report 40-60 % 1, 2, 3

Content

  • Project Management: Mastering strategic planning, resource allocation, and risk management.
  • How to Read a Scientific Paper: Developing critical analysis, comprehension, and synthesis skills.
  • Scientific Writing: Enhancing clarity, precision, and coherence in scientific documentation.
  • How to Make a Scientific Figure: Achieving proficiency in data visualisation, graphical representation, and aesthetic design.
  • How to Run a Python Notebook: Gaining operational knowledge, troubleshooting abilities, and workflow optimisation.
  • First Coding Steps in Python: Building foundational programming skills, logical thinking, and problem-solving techniques.
  • Next-Level Python: Enhancing fluency, problem-solving and Algorithmic thinking
  • Science Communication Principles: Cultivating effective messaging, audience engagement, and clarity in conveying complex ideas.
  • How to Give a Science Talk: Improving presentation skills, public speaking confidence, and audience interaction.
     

The following research topics will be available for exploration: gravitational waves, SKA, cosmology, black holes, pulsar timing, forming a galaxy, dark matter detection, intergalactic medium, fast radio bursts, exoplanets, and simulating the Universe.

Study resources

Reading materials

A list of reading materials and/or required textbooks will be available in the Unit Outline on Canvas.