1 Semester

Equivalent to 60 hours

Off-Campus

Nil

Credit Points: 12.5 Credit Points

Related Course/s:

A unit of study in the Graduate Certificate of Science (Astronomy), Graduate Diploma of Science (Astronomy) and Master of Science (Astronomy)

Aims & Objectives:

Aims
This Unit aims to develop the student's:
• understanding of specific astrophysical concepts with the aid of computer simulations;
• practical experience in the use of numerical modelling and data analysis; and
• ability to keep a comprehensive record of their investigations, to write a detailed summary report of techniques used and investigations undertaken, and to communicate effectively about the outcomes of their work.

Objectives
After successfully completing this Unit, students should be able to:
• appreciate the use of computer simulations in modern astrophysics;
• demonstrate detailed knowledge of a particular aspect of computational astrophysics;
• write a project proposal which includes a research plan, the project aims, objectives and expected outcomes;
• undertake independent research;
• keep a comprehensive record of research methodologies and references/resources utilised;
• write a detailed and summary report of techniques used, investigations undertaken and conclusions reached in the project; and
• synthesis the research results in a short poster summary.

Teaching Methods:

Online delivery mode, contact via newsgroups & email.
Note that this Unit requires access to the internet to run the numerical simulations, though time consuming jobs will be run in a batch mode so that students can disconnect from the internet and will be emailed once their jobs are complete.

Assessment:

An electronic logbook (compulsory but not graded), project proposal, detailed project report, short summary poster paper 

Content:

Students will choose from a range of computational astrophysics modules which will teach students about specific astrophysical concepts with the aid of computer simulations, and will also give students a grounding in computer modelling and an appreciation of the ability of science and computers to make complex phenomena understandable. Students will gain a deep understanding – via numerical experiments – of the physics governing systems such as the asteroid belt, the evolution of stars, the orbits of stars within the galaxy, and galactic dynamics.

All students will start by taking a module on Stellar Orbits, so as to gain an understanding of numerical models and dynamical systems in particular. Students will then choose one of the following five modules:

• Pulsar Population Synthesis
• Galactic Dynamics
• Galaxy Mergers
• Solar Systems Dynamics (* also requires HET602 as a prerequisite)
• Stellar Evolution (** also requires HET611 as a prerequisite)
  
  

All modules will use the Swinburne supercomputer via a Web interface. Students are not expected to know any programming languages or write their own codes, but they should gain an understanding of algorithms used in each module. Students will use a Web interface to run numerical simulations on the Swinburne supercomputer and can then download the results and data files to analyse on their home computers. Under exceptional circumstances, students may choose their own project topic after consultation and agreement with the SAO Coordinator, and assuming an appropriate project supervisor can be found.

Each student will work closely with a supervisor assigned to their project, communicating and exchanging drafts via email, and, where appropriate, students will collaborate with each other via newsgroup discussions.

Reading Materials:

Reading list depends on Module choice. All reading material online.