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Bachelor of Science (Space Sc & Astrophysics)

Campus North Terrace Campus

Degree Type Bachelor

Duration 3 years full-time or part-time equiv.

SATAC Code 324101

2010
ATAR 82.85

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  • 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 those 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.

    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 through defence agencies, government (e.g. Bureau of Meteorology), national space agencies, research institutes and universities.

  • Program Structure

    The program consists of core training in the disciplines of astronomy and space science, with a strong emphasis on physics. Students are given the flexibility to supplement this core with their choice of other science, geoscience, and mathematically based work and students will 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 with established scientists in the field.

  • Admission and Fee Information

    Choose your applicant type to view the relevant admissions information for this program.
    I am a:

    Domestic applicants

    Not a domestic applicant?

    SATAC Code 324101
    2010 CSP ATAR 82.85
    2010 CSP IB 31
    Annual tuition fees
    Commonwealth-supported place: $4,355
    Mid-year entry? Yes
    Enquiries University Contact Centre
    Selection Criteria
    Year 12 applicants
    You must not have completed more than 2 years full time equivalent (48 units) university study. You compete for a place with your Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR). 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 3) and Physics (SL grade 4/HL grade 3).

    For midyear entry, applicants should contact the Student Centre before applying to ensure that an appropriate study pathway is available.

    Alternative entry pathways
    • 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 be 18 years or over before February 1st of the year that you will be studying. If you have studied a higher education program within the last two years, you must not have studied more than 2 years full-time equivalent in that program and you must not hold a completed higher education level award. 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. Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Scheme. See Wilto Yerlo for further information.
    • Without formal qualifications?
      You may be eligible for our special access schemes.
    • Other Entry Pathways
    How to Apply
    SATAC Code: 324101

    International applicants

    Not an international applicant?

    International ATAR 80
    IB 27
    IELTS Overall 6 [more info]
    Annual tuition fees International student place: $24,250
    Mid-year entry? Subject to availability
    CRICOS 043660G
    Enquiries University Contact Centre
    Selection Criteria
    Equivalent Scores
    International ATAR 80
    IB 27
    IELTS
    Overall
    Reading
    Listening
    Speaking
    Writing
    6
    5.5
    5.5
    6
    6
    A-Level 9
    UEC [Malaysia] 15
    SAT [US] 1770
    ISC & CBSE [India] 75%
    ISBE [India] [1] 85%
    OSSD OAC [Canadian Pre-U] 75
    Eynesbury Foundation Program 380
    Bradford Foundation Program 77
    [1] Acceptable Indian State Board Examinations: Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu
    How to Apply

    International applicants applying with Australian year 12 results

    Not an international applicant applying with Australian year 12 results?

    International ATAR 80
    Annual tuition fees International student place: $24,250
    Mid-year entry? Subject to availability
    Enquiries University Contact Centre
    Selection Criteria
    Prerequisites
    SACE Stage 2: Physics, Mathematical Studies, Specialist Mathematics.

    IB: Mathematics (HL grade 3) and Physics (SL grade 4/HL grade 3).

  • Study Plans

    The study plans given are examples of pathways through this degree for students that commenced their program in 2011 (refer to the program rules). Students that commenced in previous years should refer to the tabs above(referring to years) or consult their Faculty for advice.

    Level I

    Semester 1 (core courses):

     Semester 2 (core courses):

    Passes in additional Level I courses chosen from:

    Semester 1

    Semester 2

    together with additional Level I courses selected in consultation with the Program Coordinator in accordance with the Academic Program Rules 5.2, 5.5.1 and 5.5.2 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)

    Plus passes in additional Level II courses chosen from:

    or selected in consultation with the Program Coordinator and in accordance with Academic Program Rules 5.2, 5.5.3 and 5.5.4 for the degree of Bachelor of Science or selected courses listed for the degree of Bachelor of Engineering (Aerospace)
    Level III

    Semester 1 (core courses):

    Semester 2 (core courses):

    Plus passes in additional Level III courses to the value of 12 units chosen from:

    Semester 2: 

    or courses selected in consultation with the progarm coordinator and in accordance with Academic Program Rules 5.5.5 and 5.5.6 for the degree of Bachelor of Science or selected courses listed for the Bachelor degree of Engineering (Aerospace).

    Level III Science electives

  • Career Opportunities

    Employment opportunities exist for graduates in space and astrophysical research, as well as physics, including high technology research and development through:

    • Defence agencies
    • Government (Bureau of Meteorology)
    • National space agencies
    • Research institutes
    • Universities

    Potential careers

    Aerospace Scientist, Lecturer, Defense Industry Scientist, Remote Sensing and GIS, Research Associates, Research Scientist, Environmental Scientist, Science Communicators, Science Educators, Scientific Data Analyst, Scientific Officer, Geophysics, Satellite Project Scientist, Space and Astrophysical Research, Space Scientist, Astrophysicist

  • Program Rules
  • Further Information
    Information sessions will be held at the University of Adelaide Open Day, 17 August 2008. An information session will also be held Ground Floor, Napier Building, North Terrace Campus from 4-6 pm on 10 December 2008. For further details: Telephone (08) 8303 5673, email faculty.sciences@adelaide.edu.au or visit www.sciences.adelaide.edu.au.
  • Useful Links

The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.

Last updated: Friday, 3 Feb 2012

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Student Profile

Vanessa Holmes studied astrophysics at the University of Adelaide, and now collaborates with physicists all over the world investigating ultra high energy cosmic rays.

Vanessa_Holmes

Vanessa Holmes’ forte for mathematics and interest in the universe led her to a Bachelor of Science (Space Science and Astrophysics) at the University of Adelaide. She is now undertaking a PhD with the University’s high energy astrophysics group, investigating techniques to detect ultra high energy cosmic rays and collaborating with physicists from all over the world.

 
 

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