This course allows students to pursue a special topic of individual or small-group study in order to gain particular or additional knowledge in an astronomy and astrophysics topic, usually not covered in courses taught elsewhere in the University. Depending on the topic, students may be required to develop and implement a research plan under the supervision of an academic member of staff; to pursue a guided reading program; to develop and implement a project with external stakeholders and/or practitioners under the supervision of an academic member of staff; and/or to take part in selected lectures, workshops, tutorials, seminars, discussion groups, field trips, training and other activities.
The details of the topic will be negotiated between the student and the supervisor/s and be approved by the relevant Associate Director (Education).
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Pursue a sustained, guided critical investigation and evaluation of the agreed topic/s.
- Systematically identify relevant theory and concepts and draw evidence-based conclusions using appropriate methodology, tools and/or analysis of data.
- Explain complex concepts in areas relevant to the topic/s.
- Demonstrate accurate and efficient use of specific techniques relevant to the special topic/s.
- Exercise critical thinking and judgment in the context of demonstrating advanced knowledge in astronomy and astrophysics.
Other Information
Students must contact the Research School of Astronomy and Astrophysics to seek advice on how to enrol in this course.
Indicative Assessment
- Assessments and their weighting will vary depending on the nature of the topic but will minimally have two components: (null) [LO null]
- Scaffolded assessment during the course (30) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
- Final assessment/s (70) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
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 session which will include regular meetings with the supervisor and a large component of self- study which will include preparation for any presentations and other assessment tasks.
Assessment tasks will vary depending on the project and supervisor. To be arranged with course convener.
Inherent Requirements
No specific inherent requirements have been identified for this course.
Requisite and Incompatibility
You will need to contact the Research School of Astronomy and Astrophysics to request a permission code to enrol in this course.
Prescribed Texts
None
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 to 12 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 |
| 7.00 | 0.14583 |
| 8.00 | 0.16667 |
| 9.00 | 0.18750 |
| 10.00 | 0.20833 |
| 11.00 | 0.22917 |
| 12.00 | 0.25000 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $780 per unit |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $1120 per unit |
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.