DATA SCIENCE FOR ASTRONOMY

12 NQF credits at HEQSF level 9

Co-ordinator [2019]: Prof Russ Taylor, Director Inter-University Institute for Data Intensive Astronomy

Course outline:  This course introduces students to various aspects of data intensive astrophysics, ranging from data visualisation and complex databases, to advanced statistical tools for astronomical data analysis and computational astrophysics. At the core of this module are examples in modern data-intensive astrophysics derived from the global data challenges around MeerKAT, the Square Kilometre Array (SKA), associated projects in radio astronomy, and other large multi-wavelength surveys. Students will be introduced to the use of Bayesian statistics in astronomy, the complexity of visualising large data cubes, optimising database operations in the presence of multi-dimensional data, data mining and discovery tools, and the role of large-scale simulations to interpret the significance of astronomical observations.

Entrance requirements: Core modules of the Master in Data Science course (STA5080W)

DP requirement: 50% average for the two projects.

Assessment:  Two projects: 25% each. Practical 'take-home' data science examination: 50%. A subminimum of 50% for each of the projects, and examination component will be required.

[Last updated: 28 December 2018]