Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science is built around a foundational core and 11 majors. The core subjects will help you develop a broad understanding of scientific theory, practice and technique, while your major allows you to specialise in your area of key interest. Across your first and second years, you’ll put your classroom learning into practice via hands-on scientific projects. Then, in your final year, you’ll collaborate with students from across the 11 majors, as well as with government, industrial, research or educational institutions to tackle real-world problems. This apprenticeship-style work will help you develop the competencies and expertise desired by employers, such as innovative problem-solving, critical thinking, effective communication and organisational skills, and creativity.

Major: Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astronomy examines the universe via the light received from it. Astrophysics uses the laws of physics to interpret astronomical phenomena, and determine the origin and evolution of the cosmos. Professionals in this field explore our understanding of celestial objects – such as planets, stars and galaxies – and the methods through which we have gained this insight.

In the Astronomy and Astrophysics major, you’ll develop the ability to independently and creatively solve problems by applying core physical principles, and relevant mathematical and computational techniques. You’ll learn to manipulate data sets using standard astronomical software packages. And you’ll be able to provide analytical solutions to astrophysical problems through the manipulation of equations describing physical principles and by developing customised computer programs.