Why Study/Key Benefits

The Bachelor of Science (Professional), majoring in Astronomy and Astrophysics, combines astronomy, astrophysics, data analysis, scientific computing and practical industry experience. Swinburne describes the major as providing an understanding of the universe from the smallest particles to the largest cosmic structures, with study of stars, exoplanets, black holes, galaxies and dark matter.

Key benefits include:

• Study of modern astronomy and astrophysics alongside broader science foundations.
• Hands-on use of advanced astronomy and astrophysics technologies.
• Access to facilities and resources including OzSTAR, OzVU (virtual universe) and Swinburne's Keck Telescope remote-control room.
• Exposure to Victoria's largest Centre for Astrophysics and Supercomputing.
• Development of large-dataset modelling and interpretation skills.
• Research and data-analysis skills.
• Scientific reasoning and critical-thinking development.
• Science communication and outreach skills.
• Experience with advanced astrophysics technologies.
• Three professionally focused, industry-linked projects.
• A 12-month professional work-placement component within the Professional degree.

Programme Structure and Subjects/Topics

The degree contains 375 credit points made up of core science study, the Astronomy and Astrophysics major, electives and professional placement. The published study sequence is described by Swinburne as indicative and is subject to change.

Year 1 – 100 credit points:

Semester 1:

• Data Science Principles – COS10022 – 12.5 credit points.
• Calculus and Applications – MTH10012 – 12.5 credit points.
• Choose two from Concepts of Biology – BIO10001, Chemistry 1 – CHE10001 and Energy and Motion – PHY10001.

Semester 2:

• Linear Algebra and Applications – MTH10013 – 12.5 credit points.
• Sustainability Challenges in Science – NPS10003 – 12.5 credit points.
• Discovering the Universe – AST10001 – 12.5 credit points.
• One elective.

Year 2 – 100 credit points:

Semester 1:

• Earth, Moon, Mars and Beyond – AST10002 – 12.5 credit points.
• Astrobiology and the Origins of Life – AST20002 – 12.5 credit points.
• Two electives.

Semester 2:

• Societal Challenges in Science – NPS20011 – 12.5 credit points.
• Introduction to Supercomputing – AST20004 – 12.5 credit points.
• Two electives.

Professional work placement – 100 credit points:

• Work Experience in Industry A – WEI20001.
• Integrated Professional Placement A – Science – NPS20003.
• Work Experience in Industry B – WEI20002.
• Integrated Professional Placement B – Science – NPS20004.

Year 4 – 75 credit points:

Semester 1:

• Cosmology and the Large-scale Structure of the Universe – AST30002 – 12.5 credit points.
• Galaxies and their Place in the Universe – AST20003 – 12.5 credit points.
• Two electives.

Semester 2:

• From Stars to Black Holes – AST30001 – 12.5 credit points.
• Research Skills in Astrophysics – AST30003 – 12.5 credit points.
• One elective.

The published course sequence does not label a separate traditional “Year 3” academic study block; the 100-credit-point professional placement is positioned between the academic study components in the indicative sequence. Students should use their individual course planner and student portal to confirm the actual sequence applicable to their enrolment.

The programme specifically develops knowledge and skills in:

• Astronomy and astrophysics.
• Scientific data analysis.
• Supercomputing.
• Cosmology.
• Galaxies.
• Stars and black holes.
• Astrobiology.
• Space and planetary science.
• Scientific research.
• Science communication.

Disciplines/Specialisations

Selected major: Astronomy and Astrophysics.

The major covers topics including:

• Stars.
• Exoplanets.
• Black holes.
• Galaxies.
• Dark matter.
• Cosmology.
• Astrobiology.
• Planetary science.
• Large-scale data analysis.
• Supercomputing.
• Astrophysics research.

The wider Bachelor of Science (Professional) currently offers eight majors:

• Applied Mathematics.
• Astronomy and Astrophysics.
• Biochemistry.
• Biotechnology.
• Chemistry.
• Environmental Science.
• Physics.
• Space Technology.

Programme Highlights

• Bachelor of Science (Professional).
• Astronomy and Astrophysics major.
• Course code: BA-SC2PROF.
• CRICOS: 095882G.
• Hawthorn campus.
• Four years full-time.
• 375 credit points.
• Eight major units.
• Four professional-placement units.
• 12-month professional work-placement component.
• Three industry-linked projects.
• Access to OzSTAR and OzVU and the Keck Telescope remote-control room.
• Study within Swinburne's Centre for Astrophysics and Supercomputing.
• Strong emphasis on data analysis, scientific computing, modelling and research.
• Potential preparation for careers in astrophysics, data science, software development, science communication and environmental/energy modelling.

Career Outcomes

Swinburne specifically lists the following career opportunities for the Astronomy and Astrophysics major:

• Research astrophysicist.
• Instrument scientist.
• Data scientist.
• Software developer.
• Science communicator.
• Energy and climate modeller.

International Student Visa Requirements

International students studying this course in Australia generally require an Australian Student visa (subclass 500).

CRICOS course code: 095882G.

Key requirements can include:

• Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), unless an exemption applies.
• Genuine Student requirement.
• Evidence of financial capacity where required.
• English-language evidence where required.
• Meeting applicable health requirements.
• Meeting applicable character requirements.
• Compliance with Student visa conditions.