Students
ASTR310 – Frontiers of Astronomy and Astrophysics
2017 – S2 Day
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Convenor
Richard McDermid
Contact via 0298504476
E6B
Open door policy, but make an appointment to save disappointment.
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| Credit points |
Credit points
3
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
ASTR377
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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| Unit description |
Unit description
We are in the midst of a golden age of astronomy and astrophysics, with results streaming in from a host of telescopes, spacecraft and supercomputers. In this unit students have an opportunity to join this voyage of discovery by planning and conducting their own research project under the guidance of professional astronomers at CSIRO Astronomy and Space Science, the Australian Astronomical Observatory or Macquarie University. Students will develop familiarity with the required tools to tackle a real-world astrophysics problem and conduct their research project. Students report on their progress and findings through presentations and written reports. In alternate years, students have the opportunity to take part in a field trip to major telescopes in Western New South Wales.
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Important Academic Dates
Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- Demonstrate insight into the professional activities and work practises of astronomical, astrophysics and astrophotonics researchers, including engagement in regular colloquia, and exposure to professional telescope facilities.
- Work effectively and responsibly as part of a project team, including the use of online collaborative tools and resources.
- Think critically and analytically around interpreting the outcomes of a project and identify future strategic directions.
- Apply techniques of project planning and time management, demonstrating the capacity to meet deadlines agreed upon with the partner.
- Demonstrate the ability to articulate the goals and results of the project using different forms of communication, including a comprehensive piece of scientific writing, and an oral presentation.
- Develop career networking skills and capabilities that will aid you with either moving into the workforce or further study.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Project Report | 35% | No | Weeks 8 and 13 |
| Project Lab Book | 15% | No | Weeks 8 and 13 |
| Reflective Journal | 15% | No | Weeks 2-13 |
| Oral Presentation | 10% | No | week 12 |
| Professional Engagement | 15% | No | Week 12 |
| CV and cover letter | 10% | No | week 12 |
Project Report
Due: Weeks 8 and 13
Weighting: 35%
This assessment has two components: Project Report (25% of total grade), and Mentor Report (10% of total grade).
Project Report
The students are required to submit a 2500-5000 word Project Report based on their external placement at the partner organisation. This will generally follow the structure of a scientific report, including introduction to the project topic, description of the data, tools and methods used, presentation of results and analysis, discussion of the findings, and conclusions. Typically, students will work in pairs with the partner. In those cases each student is expected to contribute equally to the project report, and the report must include a statement describing the contributions of each student to the joint project.
Note that in some cases Project progress and timely conclusion can be influenced by circumstances that are outside of the Student’s control. This will be taken into account when assessing the report.
An introductory section will be due to the University Supervisor in Week 8, with the final report due in Week 13. The Project Report is worth 25% of the total unit grade.
Mentor Report
Your Macquarie Project Mentor will provide a report on your performance during the project. This will be based partly on input from your external project supervisor, as well as exchanges with your Project Mentor during the course of the project. The report will grade performance on topics such as meeting the learning outcomes of the unit, the quality of your contribution to the project and partner organisation, and ability to work as part of the project team. Engagement with the field work activity will also be included in this assessment.
The Mentor report is worth 10% of the total unit grade.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Demonstrate insight into the professional activities and work practises of astronomical, astrophysics and astrophotonics researchers, including engagement in regular colloquia, and exposure to professional telescope facilities.
- Work effectively and responsibly as part of a project team, including the use of online collaborative tools and resources.
- Think critically and analytically around interpreting the outcomes of a project and identify future strategic directions.
- Apply techniques of project planning and time management, demonstrating the capacity to meet deadlines agreed upon with the partner.
- Demonstrate the ability to articulate the goals and results of the project using different forms of communication, including a comprehensive piece of scientific writing, and an oral presentation.
- Develop career networking skills and capabilities that will aid you with either moving into the workforce or further study.
Project Lab Book
Due: Weeks 8 and 13
Weighting: 15%
The Project Lab Book records all your daily tasks, recorded values, results, plots, thoughts, useful numbers, etc. and should form a crucial record of your activity to draw on when writing your project report. It will also be essential for efficiently picking up your project where you left off the previous week.
The Lab Book can be an electronic document, an online tool (e.g. Evernote), or a good old fashioned hand-written hard-back note book. Either way, keep it legible, organised, dated, and well used.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Demonstrate insight into the professional activities and work practises of astronomical, astrophysics and astrophotonics researchers, including engagement in regular colloquia, and exposure to professional telescope facilities.
- Work effectively and responsibly as part of a project team, including the use of online collaborative tools and resources.
- Think critically and analytically around interpreting the outcomes of a project and identify future strategic directions.
- Apply techniques of project planning and time management, demonstrating the capacity to meet deadlines agreed upon with the partner.
- Develop career networking skills and capabilities that will aid you with either moving into the workforce or further study.
Reflective Journal
Due: Weeks 2-13
Weighting: 15%
Each student must maintain an individual reflective journal on iLearn consisting of three parts:
Part 1: Initial self-reflection addressing the skills and knowledge gained during your degree thus far. This is the first section of the journal, and should be completed before starting the project in Week 2.
Part 2: Weekly reflective diary, capturing your thoughts about the project as it progresses. You will also be given some key topics to address in this part of your journal as you go along. These entries should be written throughout the semester. Bulk submissions in the last weeks will be penalised.
Part 3: Reflection on the project overall. This should be written after completing the project, and should address: i) What were the main learning outcomes for you arising from the project? ii) Given the experience you have had through the project, what do you now feel are the most valuable or attractive attributes of your future workplace? How have these changed from before? iii) If you could repeat the unit, what would you do differently and why? Due in week 13.
At least 10 reflective journal entries are required in total. Each reflection should be 200-500 words. Journal entries are only visible to the unit convenor.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Work effectively and responsibly as part of a project team, including the use of online collaborative tools and resources.
- Think critically and analytically around interpreting the outcomes of a project and identify future strategic directions.
- Apply techniques of project planning and time management, demonstrating the capacity to meet deadlines agreed upon with the partner.
- Develop career networking skills and capabilities that will aid you with either moving into the workforce or further study.
Oral Presentation
Due: week 12
Weighting: 10%
Each student will give a 10 minute presentation (with 3 minutes for questions) on their work in the final week of semester. For students working in pairs, they may present a joint 20 minute talk, as long as each person presents approximately half of the work. The talk should cover both the research component of the project, and the experience of working at the partner organisation.
Presentation slides should be uploaded to iLearn.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Demonstrate insight into the professional activities and work practises of astronomical, astrophysics and astrophotonics researchers, including engagement in regular colloquia, and exposure to professional telescope facilities.
- Work effectively and responsibly as part of a project team, including the use of online collaborative tools and resources.
- Think critically and analytically around interpreting the outcomes of a project and identify future strategic directions.
- Demonstrate the ability to articulate the goals and results of the project using different forms of communication, including a comprehensive piece of scientific writing, and an oral presentation.
- Develop career networking skills and capabilities that will aid you with either moving into the workforce or further study.
Professional Engagement
Due: Week 12
Weighting: 15%
A key role of professional scientists is engaging both with other scientists (through attending seminars) and with the public (through outreach activities). In this context, students are required to accrue at least 15 'professional engagement credits' during the course of the unit. Examples of relevant activities are: 1) Attending a Physics and Astronomy Department colloquium or similar seminar (= 1 credit); 2) Participating in a public observing night at the campus observatory (= 2 credits); 3) Visiting a school to give a presentation related to astronomy (= 3 credits); 4) Writing an article, blog, or other form of public- or professional-facing media about astronomy (= 1-3 credits, depending on article length, peer review, etc.); 5) Taking a leadership role in a student, professional, or community organisation that fosters participation in science (=1-3 credits, depending on role). Other activities can be considered for these credits at the discretion of the unit convenor.
Note that attendance of at least 3 seminars and 2 observatory sessions is mandatory.
You must document your Professional Engagement. E.g. for seminar attendance, give the date, speaker name, title, and short summary (few lines) of the talk. For observatory sessions, provide the dates you participated, and a couple sentences to say what you did (e.g. Were there any particular group that night? What objects did you observe? What was your role?). You may include photos, or any other relevant evidence of your activity. You will submit your evidence via iLearn in Week 12, e.g. as a pdf document, web links to external files (e.g. movies, powerpoint slides), etc.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Demonstrate insight into the professional activities and work practises of astronomical, astrophysics and astrophotonics researchers, including engagement in regular colloquia, and exposure to professional telescope facilities.
- Work effectively and responsibly as part of a project team, including the use of online collaborative tools and resources.
- Apply techniques of project planning and time management, demonstrating the capacity to meet deadlines agreed upon with the partner.
- Demonstrate the ability to articulate the goals and results of the project using different forms of communication, including a comprehensive piece of scientific writing, and an oral presentation.
- Develop career networking skills and capabilities that will aid you with either moving into the workforce or further study.
CV and cover letter
Due: week 12
Weighting: 10%
You will be required to provide a cover letter and curriculum vitae (CV) in response to a genuine job advert that you have researched and selected. An open application to an organisation you have chosen is also permitted if a suitable job advert is not available. You will be expected to use the tools and techniques you have acquired during the unit to find a suitable opening or organisation, and provide job-specific application materials in the form of a CV and cover letter.
Files will be submitted electronically via iLearn.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Demonstrate insight into the professional activities and work practises of astronomical, astrophysics and astrophotonics researchers, including engagement in regular colloquia, and exposure to professional telescope facilities.
- Develop career networking skills and capabilities that will aid you with either moving into the workforce or further study.
Delivery and Resources
Workshop Activities
There will be three main workshops associated with the unit, for which attendance is mandatory:
Workshop 1 (Week 1, am): Orientation
This introductory morning workshop will review the unit goals, give students the chance to introduce themselves and their project (If known), and review some basic content on best work practices, health and safety, ethics, professional development, and reflective practice. These are essential tools for making the most of your practical experience during the unit.
Workshop 2 (Week 1, pm): Themes, Knowledge and Skills
This afternoon workshop follows on from workshop 1, and will be aimed at reflecting on the skills and knowledge you have gained across your degree, and how this might map to potential employers, and what they are looking for. We will look at how to recognise our strengths and make best use of them; as well as identifying ares where we can improve, and make plans on how to develop those areas during the unit. Finally, we will make a first draft of a personal curriculum vitae (CV, resume).
Workshop 3 (Week 11, am+pm): Presentation skills
This workshop will focus on two key opportunities where we present ourselves to our colleagues in a professional context: giving a formal presentation; and giving a job interview. The workshop will look at techniques for delivering an informative and professional presentation, and will go through the process involved in a typical professional job interview. We will use a combination of delivered content and group exercises, including mock interviews, with a focus on developing confidence and experience in presenting in different situations.
Project
The main component of this unit is a project conducted with an external partner organisation, such as the Australian Astronomical Observatory (AAO) or the CSIRO Astronomy and Space Science division (CASS). Projects range from pure research to projects with a more educational or outreach flavour. All projects, however, should give you exposure to a professional working environment, and the opportunity to contribute to a larger effort related to professional astronomy and science. You will spend nominally 10 days working with the partner organisation, spread over 10 weeks of the semester (but this can vary from project to project). Projects should start in Week 2, concluding in Week 11, but again there will be some variations in schedule according to the particular project.
Supervisors
The project has a supervisor at the host organisation, who is able to devote some time to supervising the students on the days that they attend the host organisation. At the start of the project, agree on a time or day when you are most likely to have overlap with your supervisor. If you don't have regular access to your project supervisor, let the unit convenor know as soon as possible so that alternative arrangements can be made.
The Physics and Astronomy Department at Macquarie University also appoints a University staff supervisor/mentor to maintain liaison, monitor progress and assist in advising students. Students will meet with the Unit convenor / University Supervisor at least twice during the semester to review lab-books, work diaries and progress against project objectives. One of these meetings will take place at the host organisation.
Required Unit Materials
You will be working within the premises of the partner organisation. Compliance with standard Work Health and Safety (WHS, sometimes also called Occupational Health & Safety, or OH&S) practise is expected. This includes wearing appropriate clothing and footwear (e.g. covered shoes), and following all workplace rules as defined by the Partner. If you are unsure of these rules, ask your supervisors.
Required Text
Not applicable, but project supervisors may recommend relevant readings.
Record-keeping
Each student must maintain an individual lab book or work diary. The lab book needs to be completed for each day of work on the project. Entries in the lab book must be viewed and approved as correct records by the Partner supervisor on a regular basis (at least fortnightly). Students will be required to hand in their lab books to the Partner supervisor as part of the assessment process. The work diary is a record of the additional reading and reflective research undertaken by each student on areas relevant to working in an industry environment. Students will be required to hand in their diaries to the University supervisor as part of the assessment process.
Field Trip
During the mid-semester break, we will have a 4-day (3 nights) field trip to professional research telescopes in New South Wales, including the famous Parkes radio dish and Anglo-Australian Telescope. We will receive 'behind the scenes' tours of these large national facilities, meet with professional astronomers, and look at what it takes to build, maintain and operate research infrastructure on this large scale. We will also take advantage of being far from the city lights to do some astrophotography of our own, weather permitting.
We will hold a field trip information session in Week 6. Accommodation costs are covered by the Department, but you will be asked by the unit convenor to complete a PACE travel grant application before the trip.
Teaching Strategy
Students spend around 10 days within the host organisation, plus the 4-day field trip. This time should be used effectively in the pursuit of the objectives identified by the partner supervisor and unit learning outcomes. A clear understanding of the project objectives and appropriate planning will facilitate progress towards the project objectives. Students are expected to regularly graph and analyse their results (if appropriate), and keep comprehensive and up-to-date records in their lab-books. The Partner and University supervisor/mentor will review the research plan and lab-books to ensure good practise in this respect. Students are also expected to maintain a work diary that captures other project related reading and reflective analysis undertaken by the student.
Unit Schedule
PACE
PACE stands for Participation and Community Engagement. By connecting students with partner organisations, PACE gives Macquarie students the chance to contribute their academic learning, enthusiasm and fresh perspective to the professional workplace. ASTR310 has been a PACE unit since 2013. PACE activities in this unit includes astronomy outreach at our Macquarie University observatory and a activities at either the Australian Astronomical Observatory or CSIRO Astronomy and Space Science.
Attendance
The unit has three key elements: Skills workshops (3 workshops over 2 days), external project (10 days over semester), field trip (4 days in mid-term break). Attendance of all three components is mandatory.
Students are required to be on-site at the host organisation when undertaking the project. The total project duration is 10 days. Typcally, students will devote one day a week (nominally Friday) during 2nd semester (Weeks 1 to 13) working on the project at the partner institution. On some of these days some time may be spent at the University or elsewhere pursuing the objectives of the project with the agreement of the partner supervisor.
In addition, there will be several 'workshop' activities during the semester on topics including ethics, communication, and career skills (see above).
Professional Engagement
A total of 15 'Professional Engagement' credits must be earned by participating in professional activities during the semester. This includes mandatory attendance of at least 3 seminars/colloquia (worth 1 credit each) and acting as guide for 2 campus observatory public sessions (worth 2 credits each) over the course of the semester. Additional credits can be gained by participating in suitable professional development activities, such as external skill development workshops, building a professional online profile, public outreach, etc. The unit convenor has the final say on what counts for credit and at what level.
Field Trip
A 4-day field trip to the Anglo-Australia Telescope and the Australa Telescope National Facility Compact Array will take place during the September mid-term break.
Progress Meetings
Students are required to attend progress meetings at the external site as arranged by the University supervisor. At least one such meeting will take place during the project.
Learning and Teaching Activities
Field Trip
Research Project
Observatory Service
Seminar Participation
Workshop Activities
Professional Engagement
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central. Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
Academic Honesty Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html
Assessment Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy_2016.html
Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html
Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/complaint_management/procedure.html
Disruption to Studies Policy (in effect until Dec 4th, 2017): http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html
Special Consideration Policy (in effect from Dec 4th, 2017): https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policies/special-consideration
In addition, a number of other policies can be found in the Learning and Teaching Category of Policy Central.
Student Code of Conduct
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/support/student_conduct/
Results
Results shown in iLearn, or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au.
Student Support
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
Learning Skills
Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.
Student Services and Support
Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.
Student Enquiries
For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au
IT Help
For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/.
When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.
Graduate Capabilities
Creative and Innovative
Our graduates will also be capable of creative thinking and of creating knowledge. They will be imaginative and open to experience and capable of innovation at work and in the community. We want them to be engaged in applying their critical, creative thinking.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Demonstrate insight into the professional activities and work practises of astronomical, astrophysics and astrophotonics researchers, including engagement in regular colloquia, and exposure to professional telescope facilities.
- Work effectively and responsibly as part of a project team, including the use of online collaborative tools and resources.
- Apply techniques of project planning and time management, demonstrating the capacity to meet deadlines agreed upon with the partner.
- Demonstrate the ability to articulate the goals and results of the project using different forms of communication, including a comprehensive piece of scientific writing, and an oral presentation.
Assessment tasks
- Project Report
- Project Lab Book
- Reflective Journal
- Oral Presentation
- Professional Engagement
- CV and cover letter
Learning and teaching activities
- A visit to the Anglo Australia Telescope, the Australia Telescope Compact Array and other smaller telescopes, where the research process from proposal to data acquisition will be experienced directly.
- A project in partnership with an active researcher at the partner organisation (AAO or CASS).
- Acting as a demonstrator at public observing nights at the Macquarie University observatory.
- Listening to and reflecting on seminars by expert visiting astronomers both at Macquarie and the partner organisation.
- Attending or completing online and in-class modules that cover issues of ethics, communication, and career skills during the semester.
Capable of Professional and Personal Judgement and Initiative
We want our graduates to have emotional intelligence and sound interpersonal skills and to demonstrate discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgement. They will exercise initiative as needed. They will be capable of risk assessment, and be able to handle ambiguity and complexity, enabling them to be adaptable in diverse and changing environments.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Demonstrate insight into the professional activities and work practises of astronomical, astrophysics and astrophotonics researchers, including engagement in regular colloquia, and exposure to professional telescope facilities.
- Work effectively and responsibly as part of a project team, including the use of online collaborative tools and resources.
- Think critically and analytically around interpreting the outcomes of a project and identify future strategic directions.
- Apply techniques of project planning and time management, demonstrating the capacity to meet deadlines agreed upon with the partner.
- Develop career networking skills and capabilities that will aid you with either moving into the workforce or further study.
Assessment tasks
- Project Report
- Project Lab Book
- Reflective Journal
- Oral Presentation
- Professional Engagement
- CV and cover letter
Learning and teaching activities
- A visit to the Anglo Australia Telescope, the Australia Telescope Compact Array and other smaller telescopes, where the research process from proposal to data acquisition will be experienced directly.
- A project in partnership with an active researcher at the partner organisation (AAO or CASS).
- Listening to and reflecting on seminars by expert visiting astronomers both at Macquarie and the partner organisation.
- Attending or completing online and in-class modules that cover issues of ethics, communication, and career skills during the semester.
- Participating in forms of professional service or development
Commitment to Continuous Learning
Our graduates will have enquiring minds and a literate curiosity which will lead them to pursue knowledge for its own sake. They will continue to pursue learning in their careers and as they participate in the world. They will be capable of reflecting on their experiences and relationships with others and the environment, learning from them, and growing - personally, professionally and socially.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcome
- Work effectively and responsibly as part of a project team, including the use of online collaborative tools and resources.
Assessment tasks
- Project Report
- Project Lab Book
- Reflective Journal
- Oral Presentation
- Professional Engagement
Learning and teaching activities
- A visit to the Anglo Australia Telescope, the Australia Telescope Compact Array and other smaller telescopes, where the research process from proposal to data acquisition will be experienced directly.
- A project in partnership with an active researcher at the partner organisation (AAO or CASS).
- Acting as a demonstrator at public observing nights at the Macquarie University observatory.
- Listening to and reflecting on seminars by expert visiting astronomers both at Macquarie and the partner organisation.
- Attending or completing online and in-class modules that cover issues of ethics, communication, and career skills during the semester.
- Participating in forms of professional service or development
Discipline Specific Knowledge and Skills
Our graduates will take with them the intellectual development, depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content in their chosen fields to make them competent and confident in their subject or profession. They will be able to demonstrate, where relevant, professional technical competence and meet professional standards. They will be able to articulate the structure of knowledge of their discipline, be able to adapt discipline-specific knowledge to novel situations, and be able to contribute from their discipline to inter-disciplinary solutions to problems.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Demonstrate insight into the professional activities and work practises of astronomical, astrophysics and astrophotonics researchers, including engagement in regular colloquia, and exposure to professional telescope facilities.
- Work effectively and responsibly as part of a project team, including the use of online collaborative tools and resources.
- Think critically and analytically around interpreting the outcomes of a project and identify future strategic directions.
- Apply techniques of project planning and time management, demonstrating the capacity to meet deadlines agreed upon with the partner.
- Demonstrate the ability to articulate the goals and results of the project using different forms of communication, including a comprehensive piece of scientific writing, and an oral presentation.
- Develop career networking skills and capabilities that will aid you with either moving into the workforce or further study.
Assessment tasks
- Project Report
- Project Lab Book
- Reflective Journal
- Oral Presentation
- Professional Engagement
- CV and cover letter
Learning and teaching activities
- A visit to the Anglo Australia Telescope, the Australia Telescope Compact Array and other smaller telescopes, where the research process from proposal to data acquisition will be experienced directly.
- A project in partnership with an active researcher at the partner organisation (AAO or CASS).
- Listening to and reflecting on seminars by expert visiting astronomers both at Macquarie and the partner organisation.
- Attending or completing online and in-class modules that cover issues of ethics, communication, and career skills during the semester.
- Participating in forms of professional service or development
Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking
We want our graduates to be capable of reasoning, questioning and analysing, and to integrate and synthesise learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments; to be able to critique constraints, assumptions and limitations; to be able to think independently and systemically in relation to scholarly activity, in the workplace, and in the world. We want them to have a level of scientific and information technology literacy.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Work effectively and responsibly as part of a project team, including the use of online collaborative tools and resources.
- Think critically and analytically around interpreting the outcomes of a project and identify future strategic directions.
- Apply techniques of project planning and time management, demonstrating the capacity to meet deadlines agreed upon with the partner.
- Demonstrate the ability to articulate the goals and results of the project using different forms of communication, including a comprehensive piece of scientific writing, and an oral presentation.
- Develop career networking skills and capabilities that will aid you with either moving into the workforce or further study.
Assessment tasks
- Project Report
- Project Lab Book
- Reflective Journal
- Oral Presentation
- Professional Engagement
- CV and cover letter
Learning and teaching activities
- A visit to the Anglo Australia Telescope, the Australia Telescope Compact Array and other smaller telescopes, where the research process from proposal to data acquisition will be experienced directly.
- A project in partnership with an active researcher at the partner organisation (AAO or CASS).
- Attending or completing online and in-class modules that cover issues of ethics, communication, and career skills during the semester.
- Participating in forms of professional service or development
Problem Solving and Research Capability
Our graduates should be capable of researching; of analysing, and interpreting and assessing data and information in various forms; of drawing connections across fields of knowledge; and they should be able to relate their knowledge to complex situations at work or in the world, in order to diagnose and solve problems. We want them to have the confidence to take the initiative in doing so, within an awareness of their own limitations.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Demonstrate insight into the professional activities and work practises of astronomical, astrophysics and astrophotonics researchers, including engagement in regular colloquia, and exposure to professional telescope facilities.
- Work effectively and responsibly as part of a project team, including the use of online collaborative tools and resources.
- Think critically and analytically around interpreting the outcomes of a project and identify future strategic directions.
- Demonstrate the ability to articulate the goals and results of the project using different forms of communication, including a comprehensive piece of scientific writing, and an oral presentation.
Assessment tasks
- Project Report
- Project Lab Book
- Reflective Journal
- Oral Presentation
- Professional Engagement
- CV and cover letter
Learning and teaching activities
- A visit to the Anglo Australia Telescope, the Australia Telescope Compact Array and other smaller telescopes, where the research process from proposal to data acquisition will be experienced directly.
- A project in partnership with an active researcher at the partner organisation (AAO or CASS).
- Attending or completing online and in-class modules that cover issues of ethics, communication, and career skills during the semester.
Effective Communication
We want to develop in our students the ability to communicate and convey their views in forms effective with different audiences. We want our graduates to take with them the capability to read, listen, question, gather and evaluate information resources in a variety of formats, assess, write clearly, speak effectively, and to use visual communication and communication technologies as appropriate.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Demonstrate insight into the professional activities and work practises of astronomical, astrophysics and astrophotonics researchers, including engagement in regular colloquia, and exposure to professional telescope facilities.
- Work effectively and responsibly as part of a project team, including the use of online collaborative tools and resources.
- Think critically and analytically around interpreting the outcomes of a project and identify future strategic directions.
- Apply techniques of project planning and time management, demonstrating the capacity to meet deadlines agreed upon with the partner.
- Demonstrate the ability to articulate the goals and results of the project using different forms of communication, including a comprehensive piece of scientific writing, and an oral presentation.
- Develop career networking skills and capabilities that will aid you with either moving into the workforce or further study.
Assessment tasks
- Project Report
- Project Lab Book
- Reflective Journal
- Oral Presentation
- Professional Engagement
- CV and cover letter
Learning and teaching activities
- A visit to the Anglo Australia Telescope, the Australia Telescope Compact Array and other smaller telescopes, where the research process from proposal to data acquisition will be experienced directly.
- A project in partnership with an active researcher at the partner organisation (AAO or CASS).
- Acting as a demonstrator at public observing nights at the Macquarie University observatory.
- Listening to and reflecting on seminars by expert visiting astronomers both at Macquarie and the partner organisation.
- Attending or completing online and in-class modules that cover issues of ethics, communication, and career skills during the semester.
- Participating in forms of professional service or development
Engaged and Ethical Local and Global citizens
As local citizens our graduates will be aware of indigenous perspectives and of the nation's historical context. They will be engaged with the challenges of contemporary society and with knowledge and ideas. We want our graduates to have respect for diversity, to be open-minded, sensitive to others and inclusive, and to be open to other cultures and perspectives: they should have a level of cultural literacy. Our graduates should be aware of disadvantage and social justice, and be willing to participate to help create a wiser and better society.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Demonstrate insight into the professional activities and work practises of astronomical, astrophysics and astrophotonics researchers, including engagement in regular colloquia, and exposure to professional telescope facilities.
- Develop career networking skills and capabilities that will aid you with either moving into the workforce or further study.
Assessment tasks
- Project Report
- Project Lab Book
- Reflective Journal
- Oral Presentation
- Professional Engagement
- CV and cover letter
Learning and teaching activities
- A visit to the Anglo Australia Telescope, the Australia Telescope Compact Array and other smaller telescopes, where the research process from proposal to data acquisition will be experienced directly.
- A project in partnership with an active researcher at the partner organisation (AAO or CASS).
- Acting as a demonstrator at public observing nights at the Macquarie University observatory.
- Listening to and reflecting on seminars by expert visiting astronomers both at Macquarie and the partner organisation.
- Attending or completing online and in-class modules that cover issues of ethics, communication, and career skills during the semester.
- Participating in forms of professional service or development
Socially and Environmentally Active and Responsible
We want our graduates to be aware of and have respect for self and others; to be able to work with others as a leader and a team player; to have a sense of connectedness with others and country; and to have a sense of mutual obligation. Our graduates should be informed and active participants in moving society towards sustainability.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Demonstrate insight into the professional activities and work practises of astronomical, astrophysics and astrophotonics researchers, including engagement in regular colloquia, and exposure to professional telescope facilities.
- Develop career networking skills and capabilities that will aid you with either moving into the workforce or further study.
Assessment tasks
- Project Report
- Project Lab Book
- Reflective Journal
- Oral Presentation
- Professional Engagement
- CV and cover letter
Learning and teaching activities
- A visit to the Anglo Australia Telescope, the Australia Telescope Compact Array and other smaller telescopes, where the research process from proposal to data acquisition will be experienced directly.
- A project in partnership with an active researcher at the partner organisation (AAO or CASS).
- Acting as a demonstrator at public observing nights at the Macquarie University observatory.
- Attending or completing online and in-class modules that cover issues of ethics, communication, and career skills during the semester.
- Participating in forms of professional service or development
Changes from Previous Offering
ASTR310 will be an assessed unit from 2017 onwards, changed from pass/fail in previous years.