Undergraduate
At QUT, astrophysics is offered as a university-wide science minor. A minor is a set of units related to your particular area of study. If you are not enrolled in a science degree but are still interested in the astrophysics minor, you may be able to select it if your course rules allow it.
The astrophysics minor consists of two core units:
- Stellar Astrophysics
- Cosmology
PVB210 Stellar Astrophysics
This unit provides an introduction to stellar astrophysics, the study of the formation and evolution of stars – the fundamental building blocks of galaxies. Topics covered include orbital mechanics, telescopes, the solar system, star formation, stellar evolution, stellar remnants, and exoplanets. The unit is delivered through lectures and laboratory exercises, providing both theoretical and practical insights.
PVB220 Cosmology
This unit introduces cosmology, the study of the origin and evolution of the universe, from the Big Bang to the present. Topics covered include special and general relativity, the physics and geometry of space-time, the evolution of the universe, dark energy and dark matter, supermassive black holes, gravitational waves, and the status of Australian cosmology surveys.
In addition to these, students select two (2) additional units from the Astrophysics Minor Unit Options. The choice of these units should be based on their specific interests in astrophysics, whether observational, computational, or theoretical:
Astrophysics Minor Unit Options:
- Introductory Computational Mathematics (Recommended for students interested in mathematical modelling)
- Computational Explorations (Ideal for students focusing on computational simulations)
- Digital Image Processing (Best suited for those interested in observational astronomy and data analysis)
- Foundations of Physics (Strong foundation for those seeking a deeper theoretical understanding)
- Computing and Data for Engineers (Useful for students wanting to develop programming and data analysis skills in astrophysics)
This flexibility allows students to tailor their minor based on their individual academic and career aspirations.
Hands-On Experience at the QUT Observatory Dome
Students studying astrophysics at QUT have access to our rooftop observatory dome, located on the top of S-Block overlooking the Brisbane River and CBD. While not suited to deep-sky research due to city light pollution, the dome plays a key role in student learning. It houses a Meade LX850 telescope, used for education, light pollution monitoring, and observing bright objects such as the Moon and planets. We are currently in the process of automating the telescope, opening up new opportunities for student projects and remote observing.
Honours
A QUT Honours course provides students with fundamental skills in designing and undertaking research. For most three-year degrees, Honours requires an additional year of study. If you are currently enrolled in an undergraduate course (at QUT or another institution) and are interested in studying at a more advanced level, an Honours course allows you to explore a research topic in depth.
For more details, please contact Dr Michael Cowley or visit QUT Astrophysics Research Topics.