See https://www.anu.edu.au/covid-19-advice. In Sem 1 2022, this course is delivered on campus with adjustments for remote participants.
This course is offered as part of the Master of Astronomy and Astrophysics (Advanced) program. It is designed to introduce students to the concept of astronomical observations. Through this course they will gain familiarity with many of the key techniques involved in planning observations, analyzing the resulting data, and producing realistic interpretations using appropriate statistical arguments. This course aims to provide useful reference information in a lecture format but to reinforce practical skills with both group and individual activities.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Be able to write a successful observing proposal, demonstrating both a compelling science justification and a thorough technical justification.
- Be able to reduce multiple types of astronomical data (including optical, infrared and radio data) and analyze the outputs, forming valid scientific conclusions.
- Be able to investigate the effects of noise propagation in astronomical data and analyse the effect of noise on measurement uncertainties.
- Be able to evaluate the scientific benefits of various types of astronomical observations (such as radio, infrared, optical, X-ray and gamma-ray), utilize the features of different observational programs and assess their technical requirements.
- Be able to produce realistic interpretations of data obtained in different wavebands.
Indicative Assessment
- 2 homework assignments addressing basic skills (astronomical web queries, noise propagation) (15) [LO 1,2,3]
- 4 computing projects involving data reduction techniques, estimation of noise, and scientific analysis (55) [LO 2,3,4,5]
- One 3-part observing proposal (30) [LO 1,2,3,4]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
The expected workload will consist of approximately 130 hours throughout the semester including:
- Face-to face component which may consist of 4 hours of lectures and tutorials per week
- Approximately 82 hours of self-study which will include preparation for lectures, presentations and other assessment tasks (average 6 hours of work per week on assignments).
Inherent Requirements
To be determined
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
Reading will be provided on Wattle
Assumed Knowledge
Bachelor of Science or equivalent with a major in physics or mathematics with relevant experience or academic achievement. Students will be aided by a familiarity with simple programming skills, to be improved in this course and the Astronomical Computing course.Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 2
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $4200 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $6000 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
First Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3117 | 21 Feb 2022 | 28 Feb 2022 | 31 Mar 2022 | 27 May 2022 | In Person | N/A |
