Students
ASTR2020 – Advanced Astronomy
2020 – Session 2, Special circumstance, North Ryde
Notice
As part of Phase 3 of our return to campus plan, most units will now run tutorials, seminars and other small group learning activities on campus for the second half-year, while keeping an online version available for those students unable to return or those who choose to continue their studies online.
To check the availability of face to face activities for your unit, please go to timetable viewer. To check detailed information on unit assessments visit your unit's iLearn space or consult your unit convenor.
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Joanne Dawson
Lee Spitler
|
|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
10
|
| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
PHYS201 or PHYS2010
|
| Corequisites |
Corequisites
|
| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
|
| Unit description |
Unit description
This unit is based around a major experimental project in observational astronomy. Lectures, labs and workshops in the first half of the unit provide students with the tools needed to design and execute an open-ended observational project in the 2nd half. Topics on observational astronomy (e.g. galaxies, stars, exoplanets) are covered alongside data and instrumentation requirements. Hands-on lab and project work provide a foundation in optical and radio telescope design and instrumentation. Python programming for image processing and analysis of large datasets are introduced and developed in the labs and major project. Modern project management tools and best-practice in experimental design are incorporated into the unit. |
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:
- ULO1: design experiments suitable for gaining new knowledge about physical phenomena.
- ULO2: demonstrate an understanding of a range of instrumentation topics and apply a subset of that knowledge to project work.
- ULO3: work effectively in small teams and jointly manage a project.
- ULO4: describe and discuss a range of topics in observational astronomy.
- ULO5: Apply python computer programming and industry-standard software tools to real-world situations.
General Assessment Information
This unit has hurdle requirements, specifying a minimum standard that must be attained in aspects of the unit. To pass this unit you must obtain a mark of at least:
- 50% in the unit overall
as well as:
- 40% in the midsession examination
Late Assessments Policy
The non-examination assessment components should be submitted by the due date and time.
The penalty for late submission is deduction of 5% of the possible mark for that item for each 24 hour period (or part) overdue. Assessments will not be accepted for marking if submitted more than 1 week past the due date. Extensions to the due dates for assignments, practical assessments, and project will only be considered if requested with valid reason prior to the due date.
Students anticipating or experiencing difficulties in meeting a deadline should discuss this with one of the lecturers in the first instance, ideally ahead of the deadline, if at all possible. Students should also be familiar with the University's Disruptions to Study policy ( http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html ).
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Project report | 60% | No | Milestones throughout semester - see iLearn |
| Lab reports | 20% | No | 1 Week after practical is complete - see iLearn |
| Midession exam | 20% | Yes | Week 6 |
Project report
Assessment Type 1: Report
Indicative Time on Task 2: 24 hours
Due: Milestones throughout semester - see iLearn
Weighting: 60%
Report on your major project, covering its planning, execution and results.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- design experiments suitable for gaining new knowledge about physical phenomena.
- demonstrate an understanding of a range of instrumentation topics and apply a subset of that knowledge to project work.
- work effectively in small teams and jointly manage a project.
- describe and discuss a range of topics in observational astronomy.
- Apply python computer programming and industry-standard software tools to real-world situations.
Lab reports
Assessment Type 1: Lab report
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: 1 Week after practical is complete - see iLearn
Weighting: 20%
Reports from laboratory experiments in the first half of the session.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- design experiments suitable for gaining new knowledge about physical phenomena.
- demonstrate an understanding of a range of instrumentation topics and apply a subset of that knowledge to project work.
- work effectively in small teams and jointly manage a project.
- describe and discuss a range of topics in observational astronomy.
- Apply python computer programming and industry-standard software tools to real-world situations.
Midession exam
Assessment Type 1: Quiz/Test
Indicative Time on Task 2: 10 hours
Due: Week 6
Weighting: 20%
This is a hurdle assessment task (see assessment policy for more information on hurdle assessment tasks)
Exam on the lecture content from the first half of the unit.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- design experiments suitable for gaining new knowledge about physical phenomena.
- demonstrate an understanding of a range of instrumentation topics and apply a subset of that knowledge to project work.
- describe and discuss a range of topics in observational astronomy.
1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:
- the academic teaching staff in your unit for guidance in understanding or completing this type of assessment
- the Writing Centre for academic skills support.
2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation
Delivery and Resources
Major Project
The Lectures, Tutorials and Labs in the first half of the unit are designed to support the activities of the Major Project. Participation in the first half is essential for identifying tools and methods required to achieve the aims of the Major Project.
Special lectures
Each week, generally the 3rd lecture of a week will include a guest lecturer. Professional astronomers will describe one of their research projects, including the science goals, project overview, telescope requirements and results. Attendance of these are strongly encouraged for the opportunity to ask questions about their projects and learn about tools or methods they employ in preparation for the Major Project work.
Normal lectures
Generally the 1st and 2nd lectures in a week will be a traditional lecture format on astronomy and instrumentation topics. These will be available through iLearn.
Tutorials
Tutorials in the first half will cover tools and methods to support the Major Project work. Most of the tutorial will be interactive sessions with the tools introduced.
Labs
Labs provide hands-on python programming and instrumentation work related to telescope and science-grade astronomical cameras. Labs provide important way to learn tools in preparation for the Major Project. The python labs in Weeks 1-2 will be conducted individually. The other two labs will be pairs of students, who will submit individual lab reports.
Python programming resources
The Major Project and standards labs requires use of the Python programming language. There are signficant resources online about how to program with python and specific tools for writing astronomy code:
- http://learn.astropy.org/
- https://www.datacamp.com/community/tutorials/python-numpy-tutorial
- https://www.scipy.org/getting-started.html
- https://www.codecademy.com/learn/learn-python-3
Software tools
Students will get to select and use various software tools to help manage their Major Project work. Some examples will include:
- Communications & Project management
- Coding
- File and document sharing
Unit Schedule
| Week | Theme | Special note |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Introduction to unit | |
| 2 | Photometry and imaging | |
| 3 | Stars clusters and spectroscopy | |
| 4 | Radio science and telescopes | |
| 5 | Radio science and telescopes | |
| 6 | Revision | Mid-term exam. Project Proposal due. |
| 7 | Major Project work | Observing starts. |
| 8 | Major Project work | |
| 9 | Major Project work | |
| 10 | Major Project work | |
| 11 | Major Project work | |
| 12 | Major Project work | Draft Major Project report due. |
| 13 | Major Project work | Individual interviews. |
| Final exam period | Major Project work | Final Major Project report due. |
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
- Academic Appeals Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progression Policy
- Assessment Policy
- Fitness to Practice Procedure
- Grade Appeal Policy
- Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public
- Special Consideration Policy (Note: The Special Consideration Policy is effective from 4 December 2017 and replaces the Disruption to Studies Policy.)
Students seeking more policy resources can visit the Student Policy Gateway (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/student-policy-gateway). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.
If you would like to see all the policies relevant to Learning and Teaching visit Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/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/study/getting-started/student-conduct
Results
Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) 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 or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@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 help you improve your marks and take control of your study.
The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources.
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
If you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@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.
Changes from Previous Offering
Lecture and lab content have been updated and refreshed based upon feedback from previous years.
Marking schemes have been refreshed and improved to help with establishing expectations.
Weight of marks in the Major Project has changed.