ASTROPHYSICS AND SPACE SCIENCE HONOURS

160 NQF credits at HQESF level 6

Since the code AST4007W will not carry a NQF credit value, students will be concurrently registered for AST4008W (coursework component of 128 NQF credits) and AST4009W (research project of 32 NQF credits).

See also the NASSP web site for details of the curriculum: https://www.star.ac.za/

Course outline:  The Honours course in Astrophysics & Space Science consists of courses presented by distinguished South African researchers from research institutions participating in NASSP. There is a theory component which includes courses in spectroscopy, electrodynamics, general relativity, general astrophysics, galaxies, computational physics, astrophysical fluid dynamics and computational methods, as well as an observational techniques component which includes optical and infrared astronomy and radio astronomy. In addition students will complete a mini research project as well as a main research project and go on a number of fieldtrips to the national facilities.

Course co-ordinator [2019]: Dr S-L Blyth, co-director NASSP

Entrance requirement: AST3002F and AST3003S or PHY3004W (or PHY3021F and PHY3022S) or MAM3040W or equivalent. Candidates with an Engineering background will also be considered. Enrollments are limited to 20 students. Candidates must satisfy the Steering Committee that they have sufficient background in Mathematics and Physics. Admission is subject to the approval of the Steering Committee and an application must be made before 30th September of the preceding year. Late applications will also be considered.

DP requirements: Satisfactory lecture attendance (minimum 50%); class record of at least 40%.

Assessment: The assessment of the coursework is based on the class records and examinations for each of the modules. In general they are made up from tests, oral presentations, projects and a final examination. Examinations count 40%, class record 40% and research project 20% of the final result. The project component must be passed at 50%. These component parts of the course will be combined in a final overall mark which will be reflected against the course code AST4007W, with PA (pass) entered against the coursework and project codes; each of these components must be passed separately for the award of the degree.

[Last updated: 28 December 2018]