ASP3231 Observational astronomy
Faculty of Science
ASP3231 Observational astronomy is a level 3, 6-credit-point, undergraduate unit from the Faculty of Science, offered in 2026 in Semester 1 at Clayton. It needs ASP2011 or ASP2062.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2026
- Semester 1
- Clayton
- Assessment
- Exam 30%
- and 3 other tasks
This is the 2026 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.
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Requisites
Before ASP3231
Prerequisites
Pass these before you enrol.
After ASP3231
No unit lists ASP3231 as a prerequisite in the 2026 handbook.
Overview
This unit gives you theoretical background and practical experience in modern observational astronomy. You will study telescope optics, spectroscopy, CCD imaging, image processing, statistics, astronomical distances, stellar evolution, extrasolar planets, neutron stars and galaxies. you will undertake an observational project, including an astronomical observing session and analysis of the observation - this is a substantial component of ASP3231.
Offerings in 2026
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| First semester | Clayton | On campus |
Assessment
- LaboratoryDemonstration15%
- Project40%
- AssignmentsExercise15%
- Final assessment - Exam (2 hours and 10 minutes)Examination30%
Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.
Learning outcomes
When you finish this unit, you should be able to:
- 1
Explain and understand the concepts taught in the unit, including astronomical instrumentation, data processing, photometry and spectroscopy;
- 2
Describe how we observe celestial objects across the electromagnetic spectrum and how these observations are used to understand the nature of celestial objects;
- 3
Evaluate the accuracy of astronomical instrumentation and observations, including angular resolution, spectroscopic resolution and photometric precision;
- 4
Apply their knowledge to execute an observing program and use astronomical imaging to understand the nature of a celestial object;
- 5
Present and communicate the results of an astronomical observing program.
Workload and teaching
- Seminars24 hours
- Laboratories36 hours
- Teaching approachActive learning
The workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours spread across the semester (roughly 12 hours per week) - approximately an even mixture of attendance at scheduled activities and self-scheduled study time. Learning activities comprise a mixture of instructor directed, peer directed and self-directed learning, which includes face-to-face and online engagement.
Note: the unit includes a commitment of 3-5 hours of astronomical observing after hours (evening) using our facilities on Martin St, with the exact timing being weather dependent.
Where it fits
ASP3231 is part of 3 areas of study in the 2026 handbook.
Contacts
- Chief Examiners
- Associate Professor Michael Brown
- Unit Coordinators
- Associate Professor Michael Brown
Common questions
When is ASP3231 offered?
In 2026, ASP3231 runs in Semester 1 at Clayton.
Does ASP3231 have an exam?
Yes. The exam is worth 30% of the final mark, alongside 3 other tasks.
Which majors and minors include ASP3231?
ASP3231 is part of Astrophysics and Physics.