Module overview
This module forms the final year of their Astrophysics with a Year Abroad MPhys degree. The student will have completed a significant research project, ideally of publishable quality, under the guidance of a supervisor from the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Ability to give presentations on research topics to students, staff and the general public
- Ability to prepare publication quality reports
Subject Specific Practical Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Ability to work with astronomical data (ground and/or space-based)
- Ability to work with standard astronomical software, for observational and/or theoretical projects
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Ability to search scientific literature and review research topics
- Ability to prepare observing and/or research proposals
Syllabus
This unit entirely consists of a research-level project. The project titles and brief abstracts are made available to students around May in their third year. Students submit their preferences after studying these and after consulting with local Southampton course co-ordinator. A final allocation is made by 15 July. Students are advised to have a preliminary discussion with their SAO hosts before the summer vacation to discuss any background reading or other preparation that could be carried out during the vacation.
Learning and Teaching
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Completion of assessment task | 63 |
| Fieldwork | 36 |
| Wider reading or practice | 39 |
| Tutorial | 12 |
| Total study time | 150 |
Assessment
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Viva | 30% |
| First Semester Report | 10% |
| Seminar presentation | 15% |
| Final Report | 45% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External