University of St Andrews

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 30

ECTS credits : 15

Level : SCQF level 11

Semester: Full Year

Availability restrictions: Available only to students on MSc Astrophysics.

This module will provide the basic astrophysical background and will introduce students to the research skills needed for a career in astrophysics. The module consists of a series of introductory lectures and practicals on basic astrophysical concepts, followed by a tutorial-based system to introduce the skills of astrophysical research. These skills include the critical analysis of the scientific literature; presenting research topics and results to a scientific and general audience; a basic computational competence; and undertaking novel research in areas of current astrophysical interest, potentially including science education and public outreach. In Semester 1 students will attend weekly AS5500 meetings and work on research skills assignments. Students work 'half-time' on their project through semester 2. All students must meet weekly with their project supervisor and attend the weekly AS5500 meetings. Most projects are based in research groups in the School, where students can benefit from peer support and informal interaction with academic supervisor and other members of research teams. It is expected that the 20 hours a week will be primarily in this environment.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisite(s): Students must be registered on MSc Astrophysics.

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact: S1: 1hr tutorial x 10 weeks, 3hr presentation session x 1 week, 1hr research seminars x 10 weeks. S2: 1hr tutorial x 10 weeks, 3hr presentation session x 1 week, 1hr research seminar x 10 weeks, 1hr supervisor meeting x 11 weeks

Scheduled learning hours: 57

Guided independent study hours: 243

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews: Coursework = 100%

As defined by QAA
Written examinations : 0%
Practical examinations : 0%
Coursework: 100%

Re-assessment: Coursework = 100%, capped at grade 7

Personnel

Module coordinator: Dr M Dominik

Additional information from school

Overview

This module prepares students for carrying out an astrophysical research project, by concentrating on research and communication skills. These skills feature in assignments that are continuously assessed over the course of the two semesters. The first semester concentrates on literature searches and comparisons, presentation skills and astrophysical background. The second semester features a small research project that the students will carry out under supervision of a staff member. This module contains both lectures, where concepts are introduced, and tutorial sessions where the students discuss the course content amongst themselves, under guidance of an experienced tutor.

Aims & Objectives

The module aims to provide students with the skills needed to successfully complete a research project in astrophysics, place their research into a broader context, and communicate their research and results to their colleagues. More specifically, this module focuses on the following skills:

• use astrophysical knowledge to interpret literature and apply to research problems
• find relevant information from literature and other sources, and critically evaluate and interpret this information
• oral communication
• written communication
• time management and taking ownership of learning and research
• applying acquired skills to a small research project

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this module, students should be able to

• carry out an original research project, under supervision of an experienced researcher
• critically evaluate their own knowledge, and identify the knowledge they need to acquire to carry out a scientific task or project
• find information sources, extract relevant information, and critically evaluate, interpret and apply this information
• present the results and broader context of their research project, both orally and on paper

Synopsis

Astrophysical background. Literature searching and interpretation. Selecting and presenting a research paper. Picking a research topic. Writing and presenting a literature review. Carrying out a research project, and writing a research report.

Additional information on continuous assessment etc.

Please note that the final details on continuous assessment will be communicated within the module. The assessment breakdown is expected to be

Astrophysics take-home test                              5%

Comparison of two research papers                   5%

Oral presentation of research paper                    10%

Written literature review                                     25%

Oral presentation of literature review                   10%

Written report on research project                      40%

Supervisor feedback on research project            5%

Recommended Books

Please view University online record:

http://resourcelists.st-andrews.ac.uk/modules/as5500.html