Bachelor of Science (Space Sc & Astrophysics) B.Sc(SSAP)

2009

Program Outline

Space Science and Astrophysics explores the fundamental processes of our universe from the upper atmosphere of the earth to the most distant regions. The understanding of these processes underpins much of the academic and technological research into astronomy, studies of the solar system and the practical use of space. It is important in improving our knowledge and understanding of the universe as a whole, and in enabling us to understand the environment within which space vehicles and planet earth must operate. This program consists of core training in the disciplines of astronomy and space science, with a strong emphasis on physics. Students undertaking this program have direct exposure to professionals in the fields of space science and astrophysics, which enables them  to form professional mentoring relationships. There are also opportunities to take part in project work at each level with established scientists in the field.

Admission Information

Admissions information for domestic and international students.

Domestic

Selection criteria:	Year 12 applicants 2008 Commonwealth-supported TER: 94.2 You must not have completed more than 2 years full time equivalent (48 units) university study. You must have gained a 'Recorded Achievement' in four SACE Stage 2 HESS (Higher Education Selection Subjects) General subjects (or interstate/International Baccalaureate equivalents). For a full list of SACE subjects and their HESS status please refer to the SATAC Tertiary Entrance Booklet. You compete for a place with your Tertiary Entrance Rank (TER). Applicants who have studied Physics 1 and/or Mathematics 1 at the University of Adelaide (or equivalent) must have achieved at least a credit grade average for these courses. Higher Education applicants You must have completed at least half a year full time equivalent university study. Applicants who have studied Physics 1 and/or Mathematics 1 at the University of Adelaide (or equivalent) must have achieved at least a credit grade average for these courses. A Grade Point Average (GPA) is calculated for each separate program you have undertaken (apart from some double degree programs where the GPA is combined). You are ranked on the basis of your best GPA. Special Entry applicants You must meet the following criteria: you must be 21 years or over on January 1st of the year that you will be studying*, you must not hold a completed higher education level award, and if you have been enrolled in a course leading to a higher education level award in the last 3 years, you must not have completed more than 2 years full time equivalent university study. If you meet this criteria, you will be ranked according to your result in the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT). Your STAT result is not weighted between verbal and quantitative components. Personal Competencies (PC) and Employment Experience (EE) statements may also contribute to your rank. If you submit a PC or EE statement, and one of these ranks higher than your STAT score, then the highest ranking statement will contribute 50% to your overall rank and the STAT will contribute the remaining 50%. If you do not submit a PC or EE statement, or if the statements have a lower rank than the STAT, then you will compete for a place on the basis of your STAT result only. Applicants who have studied Physics 1 and/or Mathematics 1 at the University of Adelaide (or equivalent) must have achieved at least a credit grade average for these courses. *The age restriction is 19 years or over if you have completed either the Flinders Foundation course or the UniSA Foundation Studies program or the UniSA Program for Adult Learners. Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Scheme. See Wilto Yerlo for further information.
Additional entry requirements:	Note: applicants who have studied Physics 1 and/or Mathematics 1 at the University of Adelaide (or equivalent) must have achieved at least a credit grade average for these courses.
Prerequisites:	SACE Stage 2: Physics, Mathematical Studies, Specialist Mathematics IB: Mathematics (HL grade 4) and Physics (SL grade 5/HL grade 4)
How to apply:	SATAC Code: 324101 Apply through SATAC SATAC application dates Application and Admission
Mid-year entry?	Subject to availability
Annual tuition fees:	Commonwealth-supported place: $4,162
General enquiries:	Student Centre

International

Selection criteria:	IELTS Total Reading Listening Speaking Writing 6 5.5 5.5 6 6 International TER 80
Prerequisites:	Mathematics and Physics
How to apply:	Application information for international students Important application deadlines for international students
Mid-year entry?	No
Annual tuition fees:	International student place: $22,000
General enquiries:	Student Centre

Study Plans

The study plans given are examples of pathways through this degree. For a complete description, see the program rules.

Please note that this program is under review and the courses listed at levels II and III are indicative only. Level I
Semester 1 (core courses): MATHS 1011 Mathematics IA PHYSICS 1100 Physics IA PHYSICS 1007 Space Science and Astrophysics I  Semester 2 (core courses): MATHS 1012 Mathematics IB PHYSICS 1200 Physics IB Passes in additional Level I courses chosen from: APP MATHS 1000 Scientific Computing I PHYSICS 1005: Physics, Ideas and Society I GEOLOGY 1100: Earth's Interior I together with additional Level I courses selected in consultation with the Program Coordinator in accordance with the Academic Program Rules 5.2, 5.6.1 and 5.6.2 for the degree of Bachelor of Science.
Level II
Semester 1 (core courses) MATHS 2102: Differential Equations MATHS 2101: Multivariable and Complex Calculus PHYSICS 2510: Physics IIA Semester 2 (core courses) PHYSICS 2520: Physics IIB PHYSICS 2534: Electromagnetism II PHYSICS 2536: Space Science and Astrophysics II Plus passes in additional Level II courses chosen from: PHYSICS 2532: Classical Physics II or selected in consultation with the Program Coordinator and in accordance with Academic Program Rules 5.2, 5.6.3 and 5.6.4 for the degree of Bachelor of Science or selected courses listed for the degree of Bachelor of Engineering (Aerospace)
Level III
Passes in: PHYSICS 3002 Experimental Physics III and at least two of: PHYSICS 3001 Electromagnetism and Optics III PHYSICS 3004 Quantum Mechanics IIIA PHYSICS 3009 Statistical Mechanics III Passes in: PHYSICS 3013 Astrophysics III PHYSICS 3014 Atmospheric & Environmental Physics III together with additional Level III courses selected in consultation with the Program Coordinator from Science electives

Career Opportunities

Graduates are well suited to pursue careers in space and astrophysical research through universities, other research institutes and national space agencies. They may follow career paths into various industries based on space or astronomical programs and more broadly on physics, including high technology research and development and defence industries.

Potential careers

Satellite Project Scientist, Space and Astrophysical Research, Space Scientist, Astrophysicist, Defence Aviation

Useful Links

Faculty of Sciences

Program Rules

Faculty of Sciences