ASP5000 - Advanced astrophysics research project - 2019

Students undertake an advanced research project involving original work on a topic chosen in consultation with an academic supervisor. The topic may be a continuation of research completed in ASP4000, enabling a deeper insight into a larger research problem. In this case, it is expected that the research outcomes will also be suitable for submission for publication in a peer-reviewed international journal.

Alternatively, the project may be a separate topic to ASP4000, but the student must display a more mature research methodology than was required for ASP4000.

On completion of this unit students will be able to:

1. Understand, use and explain the basic concepts and principles of the research literature which underpin the chosen area of astrophysics research.
2. Synthesise and interpret the knowledge gained in the study of the underpinning research literature. This leads to the ability to identify a niche topic or topics within this existing body of literature, which represents a gap in current knowledge. This problem should be suitable for original research.
3. Solve an outstanding problem or problems in the chosen area for original research.
4. Present the results of the original research in written form as a thesis, and also present key thesis results in oral form as a final seminar.
5. Defend the results of the original research in an oral exam.

Seminar 20%

Thesis 80%

48 hours per week which includes 36 hours of independent research; 7 hours of final seminar and thesis preparation; 3 hours attendance at group meetings, seminars colloquia; 1-hour specialist training and 1-hour consultation with a supervisor.

See also Unit timetable information

Master of Science in Astrophysics