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A major sequence in astrophysics is available to students entering their first year of studies. This is a collaborative arrangement between the Department of Mathematics and Statistics and the Department of Physics, together with the Mt Stromlo and Siding Springs Observatories. It is also possible for students to begin their astrophysics studies at second or third-year level, as the first and second-year ASP subjects are not prerequisites for entry into the following years.
There are two first-year astronomy subjects, ASP1010 (Earth to cosmos : introductory astronomy) and ASP1022 (Life and the universe). Both subjects are descriptive and introductory, and are accessible to students with no prerequisites. In 2000, ASP1010 will be offered only in first semester.
Second-year
astronomy consists of the subjects ASP2011 and ASP2022, and is presented by the
Department of Physics, which operates its own observatories at Mount Burnett
and at the Clayton campus. These two subjects cover both theoretical and
observational astronomy. First-year astronomy is not a prerequisite for
second-year astronomy, but provides useful background material.
From 2001, a third second-year subject, ASP2112 (also to be available as
ASP3112), will be introduced. ASP2011 and ASP2112 will then be pre or
corequisites for the third-year major sequence in astrophysics. Students who
have completed ASP2022 at second year may take ASP3112 at third year only with
the permission of the coordinator.
The
third-year astrophysics sequence consists of 24 (or 12) of the 48 points
required for the final year of the BSc course. It is also available to students
taking combined degrees, such as the BSc/BE.
Although astrophysics subjects are offered in first and second years, the main
requirement for entry into third-year astrophysics is a strong foundation in
mathematics and physics. Specific second-year prerequisites are listed under
'Prerequisites' below. However, students should be aware that these second-year
prerequisites themselves have prerequisites, and so must choose their
first-year subjects accordingly. In particular, students intending to take
astrophysics at third year must take 12 points of physics and at least 12
points of mathematics subjects at first year. The required physics subjects are
PHS1011 and PHS1022. For students who have completed first-year mathematics
prior to 2000, there are two main paths: MAT1010 and MAT1020, or MAT1050 and
MAT1080, with the former option preferred. From 2000, the required first-year
subjects are MTH1020 and MTH1030, but the Faculty of Engineering subjects
ENG1901 and ENG1902 are also acceptable. Students may also find it advantageous
to include some chemistry, computer science or earth sciences subjects,
depending on their particular interests. The astronomy subjects ASP1010 and
ASP1022 provide useful background material, but are not essential.
It is expected that students will take the 24-point astrophysics sequence
primarily with either 24 points of mathematics (for those intending to follow
theoretical astrophysics) or with 24 points of physics subjects (for those
intending to follow a more observational/instrumentational approach). In either
case, there is a third-year core of 16 points comprised of the four subjects
ASP3011, ASP3021, ASP3032 and ASP3042. Those taking 24 points of physics will
be required to make up their final eight points of astrophysics with ASP3111,
and one of ASP3121 and ASP3132. Students taking 24 points of mathematics
subjects (including MAT3041/ ASP3111 and at least one of MAT3061/ASP3121 and
MAT3052/ ASP3132) in combination with astrophysics subjects will normally be
required to take the two subjects ASP3211 and ASP3222.
If neither mathematics nor physics is being taken at third-year level, or if
the enrolment contains a combination of each, an astrophysics student wishing
to take the whole sequence would be required to enrol in at least two subjects
from the list ASP3111, ASP3121, ASP3132, ASP3211, and ASP3222, for their
enrolment to be approved by the coordinator.
A student intending to take only 12 points of ASP subjects must include at
least two core subjects.
Students
intending to take 24 points of astrophysics in third year are required to have
passed at least 12 points of mathematics and at least eight points of physics
at second year, as detailed below.
The mathematics subjects passed must include MTH2010 and MTH2032. (the
engineering subjects MAT2901 and MAT2902 or MAT2911 and MAT2912 are deemed
equivalent). MTH2021 is also strongly recommended.
The minimum physics requirement is PHS2011 (Physics - quantum concepts and
technologies), which is a modern physics subject built around quantum physics
taught in the context of atomic, molecular and solid state physics. However, it
is preferable for students to take the 12 points comprising PHS2011 and PHS2022
(Physics for communication and measurement) (from 2000 PHS2611 and PHS2622),
especially if they are more interested in the observational or instrumental
aspects of astrophysics. This is because this combination of subjects provides
a good grounding in both quantum concepts and electronics principles, both of
which are important in astronomy and astrophysics. Further, it may be an
advantage to those without a background in astronomy to take the astronomy
subjects ASP2011 and ASP2022.
From 2001 it will not normally be possible to take both ASP2022 and ASP2112
but, under some circumstances, students who have taken both ASP2011 and ASP2022
may be permitted to take ASP2112 in their third year from 2001.
Students entering third year and wishing to take astrophysics but who lack the
appropriate physics prerequisites may be able to enrol in some of the core
subjects under their MAT aliases (see the third-year mathematics and statistics
entry in this catalogue). However, they should discuss this with the
astrophysics coordinator at the earliest opportunity.
Students entering second year who intend to take astrophysics at third-year
level but are uncertain about their choice of second-year subjects should
consult the astrophysics coordinator.
Further study in astrophysics is available within the honours degree program ASP4000, offered by the Department of Mathematics and Statistics. Inclusion of components from the Department of Physics is possible. The minimum requirement to apply for entry into ASP4000 is normally an average grade of distinction or above in third-year astrophysics or equivalent.
The Department of Mathematics and Statistics offers graduate programs in astrophysics. These should be discussed with Associate Professor Paul Cally well before the completion of honours.
For further information on the astrophysics program in general, contact either the coordinator, Associate Professor Paul Cally (Mathematics and Statistics), or Professor John Pilbrow (Physics).
wwwdev@monash.edu.au
Thu May 25 16:42:33 EST 2000