Unit details
PHYS5562 Research Proposal in Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Credit
- 6 points
- Offering
(see Timetable) | Availability | Location | Mode |
|---|
| Semester 1 | UWA (Perth) | Face to face |
| Semester 2 | UWA (Perth) | Face to face |
- Content
- In this unit students will begin to investigate a specific topic area in astronomy and astrophysics, developing specific knowledge in that area based on their broader knowledge of astronomy and astrophysics, and communicating this in a written literature review that forms part of a research proposal. In close conjunction with their supervisors, the students' will then identify a research problem or question aimed at extending knowledge in that area, design a research plan to solve the problem or answer the question, and learn to report on and defend that plan as both a written proposal and an oral defence.
- Outcomes
- Students are able to (1) discuss their specific research topic with their supervisors at a level appropriate to a commencing Masters student in the field of Astronomy & Astrophysics.; (2) independently discover research papers relevant to the research topic, building a collection of papers that sufficiently summarises the state-of-the-art in the topic area to justify the research proposal.; (3) accurately summarise and critique the relevant research papers in a cohesive literature review, using correct terminology and reasoning, and their broader knowledge of astronomy and astrophysics,; (4) justify a research problem or question aimed at extending knowledge in the chosen topic area.; (5) design a research plan that uses the available time and resources realistically to attempt to solve/answer the research problem/question, and that includes contingency planning for any identified risks in the plan.; (6) write a cohesive research proposal that includes the literature review, using correct grammar, and a written style and referencing system appropriate to the topic area in astronomy and astrophysics.; and (7) report and defend the research proposal in an oral presentation before a panel of expert astronomers and astrophysicists..
- Assessment
- Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) research assessment; (2) oral presentation and defence; and (3) written research proposal. Further information is available in the unit outline.
Supplementary assessment is not available in this unit.
- Unit Coordinator(s)
- Dr Matthew Young
- Unit rules
- Prerequisites:
- enrolment in 53560 Master of Physics (Astronomy and Astrophysics specialisation)
and
completion of the core and complementary units for the Physics major
or
equivalent.
- Unit Outline
- Semester 1_2019 [SEM-1_2019]
- The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
- All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
- Books and other material wherever listed may be subject to change. Book lists relating to 'Preliminary reading', 'Recommended reading' and 'Textbooks' are, in most cases, available at the University Co-operative Bookshop (from early January) and appropriate administrative offices for students to consult. Where texts are listed in the unit description above, an asterisk (*) indicates that the book is available in paperback.