Overview

Astrophysics is the science that endeavours to understand the universe and its contents through observations and the applications of physical laws. The phenomena we seek to explain include the distribution of matter on the largest scales, and the nature and behaviour of celestial objects; these objects include galaxies and quasars, … For more content click the Read More button below. Monash is home to world-leading experts in observational and theoretical astrophysics, whose expertise contributes directly to the content of the undergraduate astrophysics program. The program will introduce you to all of the skills and tools required in modern astronomy and astrophysics, from observing with sophisticated telescopes to the development of numerical codes for supercomputers. We are also developing new ways of teaching physics and astronomy. At first year this centres on the Physics and Astronomy Collaborative-learning Environment (PACE). First year classes are held in the PACE Studios which are custom-designed to encourage independent learning, and to promote the problem solving, effective communication and teamwork highly valued by employers. We are forging a community of students who are proactive learners, able to apply their knowledge and skills in creative ways. Modern astrophysics draws heavily on physics, mathematics, computation and numerical analysis, and the Monash astrophysics program provides excellent training in both contemporary science and cutting-edge problem-solving. So our graduates find work in areas that require analytical people with highly developed problem-solving skills; this includes government, finance, business, private industry, science journalism and teaching, as well as research laboratories, universities and planetariums. For those who wish to pursue studies beyond their undergraduate degree, our postgraduate program can equip those who intend to pursue a professional career in astronomy or astrophysics. Availability Astrophysics is listed in S2000 Bachelor of Science, S3001 Bachelor of Science Advanced - Global Challenges (Honours) and S3002 Bachelor of Science Advanced - Research (Honours) at Clayton as a major, extended major or minor.

Requirements for progressing to honours and other further studies

You must meet the entry requirements for S3701 Bachelor of Science (Honours), M5021 Graduate Diploma of Health and Science Research or meet the progression requirements to the fourth year of S3002 Bachelor of Science Advanced - Research (Honours).

You must also complete prerequisite study as per the intended discipline. Refer to the honours prerequisites table.

Learning outcomes

In addition to achieving the broad outcomes of your course, and successfully completing this area of study, you will be able to:

1.

Explain how knowledge in astrophysics is constructed as part of continually evolving conceptual frameworks developed from observation, mathematical analysis and numerical modelling, and built around a core of unifying fundamental concepts

2.

Appreciate astrophysics as a creative, social endeavour which provides intellectual pleasure and contributes to society and its development through applications to past, current and future technologies

3.

Demonstrate the effective use of specialised astronomical equipment, including telescopes and their instrumentation

4.

Demonstrate experimental, numerical, computational, analytical, and problem solving skills required to gain employment in a wide variety of industries or to undertake further learning in astronomy and astrophysics related disciplines

Requirements
48 credit points

Mathematics requirement12 credit points
Supporting studies in Mathematics18 credit points
Level 1 units12 credit points
Level 2 units12 credit points
Astrophysics elective units6 credit points
Progression to Honours24 credit points

Contacts

Coordinator(s)

Dr Daniel Price
Dr Jasmina Lazendic-Galloway
Associate Professor Michael Brown

Organisational contacts