Swinburne University of Technology - Melbourne Australia
Future Students - Courses
The Master of Science (Astronomy) comprises 12 units of study completed fully online, including opportunities for major project work.
Course Description:
The Master of Science (Astronomy) is part of a nested suite of programs which includes the Graduate Certificate of Science (Astronomy) and a Graduate Diploma of Science (Astronomy) with different entry points depending upon previous academic studies and work experience. This program covers the fundamental concepts and ‘big questions’ of modern astronomy, in order to equip students with a good overall understanding and general knowledge about modern astronomy, rather than training as a professional astronomer. The intention of the master program is to provide scope for more specialist study in astronomy, plus opportunities for major project work, while still maintaining an emphasis on learning about the fundamental concepts and ‘big questions’ of modern astronomy.
Course Structure:
The master program requires the completion of 12 units of study for a total of 150 credit points. Masters students are required to complete three Core units and at least one Major Project unit of study. As the program is offered in a fully online mode, there are no traditional formal contact hours involving lectures, tutorials, laboratories etc. However, students will be required to work through the course material (supplied via the internet), undertake required readings from textbooks and the internet, contribute regularly to assessable asynchronous newsgroup discussions, as well as undertake assignments and project work. The equivalent student contact hours for each unit of study is five hours per week during academic semesters.
Units of Study:
Choose 12 units of study from the following: Semester 1 HET602 Exploring the Solar System(Core)HET603 Exploring Stars and the Milky Way (Core)HET607 History of Astronomy HET608 Introductory Radio Astronomy and SETIHET609 Astrophotography and CCD Imaging HET611 Stellar Astrophysics HET612 Major Project: History of Astronomy * HET616 Great Debates in Astronomy (next offered in 2013) HET619 Major Project: Astronomy and Astrophysics ** HET624 Galaxies and their Place in the Universe (Core) HET625 Cosmology and the Large Scale Structure of the Universe Semester 2 HET602 Exploring the Solar System(Core)HET603 Exploring Stars and the Milky Way (Core)HET606 Tools of Modern Astronomy HET607 History of Astronomy HET608 Introductory Radio Astronomy and SETI HET610 Studies in Space Exploration HET614 Introduction to Particle Physics and High Energy Astrophysics (next offered in 2013) HET615 Major Project: Observational Astronomy * HET617 Major Project: Computational Astrophysics * HET618 Astrobiology and the Origins of Life (not offered in 2012 or 2013) HET619 Major Project: Astronomy and Astrophysics ** HET620 Planetary Science (not offered in 2013, offered in semester 1 in 2014)HET624 Galaxies and their Place in the Universe (Core) Note: *All Major Project units have prerequisites. ** HET619 is available only for approved project proposals. where approval is decided on a case-by-case basis by the Program Coordinator. Not all of the above units of study will be conducted every semester and some are offered in alternate years. Refer to: http://astronomy.swin.edu.au/sao/prospective/units.xmlElectives will usually be offered subject to satisfactory enrolment numbers.Students should contact the Faculty Administration Office to obtain further information about unit of study offerings.
Entry Requirements:
This program is available to students who have a recognised tertiary qualification (or approved equivalent). Applicants not holding a relevant tertiary qualification, but with substantial relevant experience may be admitted to the Graduate Certificate of Science (Astronomy), and can transfer to the Graduate Diploma of Science (Astronomy) upon obtaining at least a credit average in the Graduate Certificate of Science (Astronomy), subject to the approval of the Program Coordinator. Students who have successfully completed the Graduate Diploma of Science (Astronomy) may apply to progress to the Master of Science (Astronomy). Students are expected to be computer literate and to have internet access outside of Swinburne.
Credit Transfer:
Applicants with prior tertiary studies that satisfy part of the academic requirements of this program may be granted ‘credit’ and/or entry into the program with ‘advanced standing’. University policies apply and applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis. For further information refer to ‘Swinburne Pathways: Credit Transfer Guide’ at: http://www.swinburne.edu.au/corporate/marketing/pathways//
Recognition of Prior Learning:
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process where a student may be granted credit or partial credit towards a qualification in recognition of skills and knowledge gained through work experience, life experience and/or formal training.Further details for students considering Higher Education courses: http://www.swin.edu.au/corporate/registrar/ppd/files/stuinf.htm
Course Fees:
The total tuition fee is dependent upon the combination of units of study selected by the student. Fees are reviewed each year.For information about Swinburne's fees visit: www.swinburne.edu.au/fees
Application Procedure:
Application forms can be downloaded from the website at: http://www.swinburne.edu.au/postgrad/apply/
Further information:
Web: Enquire online Tel: 1300 ASK SWIN (1300 275 794) Email: postgrad@swinburne.edu.au
