ASP4020 Astrophysics coursework A
Faculty of Science
ASP4020 Astrophysics coursework A is a level 4, 12-credit-point, postgraduate unit from the Faculty of Science, offered in 2026 in Semester 1 at Clayton. It has no prerequisites.
- Credit points
- 12
- Offered in 2026
- Semester 1
- Clayton
- Assessment
- Exam 50%
- and 2 other tasks
- Workload
- 24 hours
- per semester
This is the 2026 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.
Reviews
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Requisites
Before ASP4020
No prerequisites or corequisites besides the enrolment rules below.
After ASP4020
No unit lists ASP4020 as a prerequisite in the 2026 handbook.
Enrolment rules
PREREQUISITE: Entry Level 2 of the Master of Science or 24 credit points of Level 3 studies in Astrophysics and Physics and PHS3350.
COREQUISITE: Enrolment in the Master of Science
Overview
You will undertake studies in three selected topics in Astrophysics and related fields, which provide the foundational basis for modern astrophysics and cosmology. These develop your expertise in computational astrophysics, observational astronomy, data analysis and the skills required to effectively communicate your findings using contemporary communication tools. The three topics are chosen from:
- Computational astrophysics (compulsory)
- Advanced observational astronomy
- Stellar astrophysics – Part 1
- Data analysis & Machine learning
NB: Subject to approval by the Chief Examiner, one of the topics in ASP4020 may be replaced by a topic from PHS4020.
Offerings in 2026
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| First semester | Clayton | On campus |
Assessment
- In-class testsQuiz / Test20%
- AssignmentsWritten30%
- Final assessment taskExamination50%
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
Demonstrate an understanding of fundamental aspects of observational astronomy, computational astrophysics, cosmology, and related disciplines.
- 2
Develop skills in computation and astronomical observation that are fundamental to the study of astrophysics.
- 3
Synthesize and interpret astrophysical knowledge.
- 4
Make effective use of information and communication technology for the collection and analysis of data, the solution to problems in astrophysics and the written/oral presentation of work relevant to the area of study.
Workload and teaching
- Teaching approachActive learning
A total of 24 hours per week
- Three topics each with 3-hours of lectures/workshops/tutorials;
- Three topics each with 1-hour of consultation and online discussions involving peers and staff
- 12 hours of independent study
Where it fits
ASP4020 is part of 1 area of study in the 2026 handbook.
Contacts
- Chief Examiners
- Professor Michael J Morgan
- Unit Coordinators
- Professor Michael J Morgan
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for ASP4020?
ASP4020 has no prerequisites, but enrolment rules apply.
When is ASP4020 offered?
In 2026, ASP4020 runs in Semester 1 at Clayton.
How much work is ASP4020?
The handbook expects about 24 hours of study across the semester. No students have rated its difficulty yet.
Does ASP4020 have an exam?
Yes. The exam is worth 50% of the final mark, alongside 2 other tasks.
Which majors and minors include ASP4020?
ASP4020 is part of Astrophysics.