Session 2 Learning and Teaching Update
The decision has been made to conduct study online for the remainder of Session 2 for all units WITHOUT mandatory on-campus learning activities. Exams for Session 2 will also be online where possible to do so.
This is due to the extension of the lockdown orders and to provide certainty around arrangements for the remainder of Session 2. We hope to return to campus beyond Session 2 as soon as it is safe and appropriate to do so.
Some classes/teaching activities cannot be moved online and must be taught on campus. You should already know if you are in one of these classes/teaching activities and your unit convenor will provide you with more information via iLearn. If you want to confirm, see the list of units with mandatory on-campus classes/teaching activities.
Visit the MQ COVID-19 information page for more detail.
Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Lee Spitler
Joanne Dawson
|
---|---|
Credit points |
Credit points
10
|
Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
PHYS201 or PHYS2010
|
Corequisites |
Corequisites
|
Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
|
Unit description |
Unit description
Following an introduction to some of the key objects in the sky, 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. |
Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
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
Students getting between 30 and 39% in the midsession exam will be given a second chance to meet the 40% hurdle pass mark.
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 ).
Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
---|---|---|---|
Lab reports | 20% | No | Week 5 |
Midession exam | 20% | Yes | Week 6 |
Project report | 60% | No | Milestones throughout semester - see iLearn |
Assessment Type 1: Lab report
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: Week 5
Weighting: 20%
Reports from laboratory experiments in the first half of the session.
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.
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.
1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:
2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation
This is an observational astronomy project, where students plan for and collect astronomy data. They process it and extract results, which is captured in a write-up.
Traditional lectures on astronomy will be provided as recordings on iLearn. These will cover the midsem exam material.
Workshops in the first half will be a venue for working on questions that will be covered in the midsem exam.
Workshops in the second half will cover tools and methods to support the Major Project work. Most of the Workshops will be interactive sessions with the tools introduced.
Labs provide hands-on python programming and experience working with astronomy data. Labs provide important way to learn tools in preparation for the Major Project.
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:
Students will get to select and use various software tools to help manage their Major Project work. Some examples will include:
Week | Theme | Special note |
---|---|---|
1 | Observational basics | |
2 | Solar system and exoplanets | |
3 | Stars | |
4 | Milky Way and nearby galaxies | |
5 | High redshift, cosmology | |
6 | Revision | Mid-term exam. Observing starts. |
7 | Major Project work | |
8 | Major Project work | |
9 | Major Project work | |
10 | Major Project work | |
11 | Major Project work | |
12 | Major Project work | |
13 | Major Project work | Individual interviews. |
Final exam period | Major Project work | Final Major Project report due. |
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
Students seeking more policy resources can visit Student Policies (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/policies). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.
To find other policies relating to Teaching and Learning, visit Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au) and use the search tool.
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/admin/other-resources/student-conduct
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
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
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.
Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.
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
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.
Lecture content now covers introductory material in astronomy.
New projects will be offered for the Major Project.
Unit information based on version 2021.03 of the Handbook