Bachelor of Science Honours in Astrophysics

Purpose

Learners graduating with this qualification will be equipped to conduct research in the field of Astrophysics.

The qualification is aimed at developing the following

• Integrated knowledge of and engagement with concepts and issues in the field of Astrophysics.
• Using computers and writing computer programmes for Astrophysics applications by drawing systematically on knowledge and appropriate technology in the field of Astronomy.
• Designing, selecting and applying appropriate and creative methods to solve problems and to engage and critique current research practices and techniques.

Rationale

This qualification has been designed to allow graduates to participate fully in the South African Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project in South Africa. This engagement will enable South African Astrophysicists to answer some of the major questions in and about the universe. In order for South Africa to add value to this project, well-qualified astrophysicists are required to be effective partners in building and contributing to the development and maintenance of this project. The Bachelor of Science Honours in Astrophysics promotes postgraduate studies and its associated research activities.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Recognition of Prior Learning will be applied to candidates who do meet the minimum entry requirements and to candidate(s) who are transferring from one discipline to another and do not possess the necessary research skills.

If applicants do not meet the minimum entry requirements they may be required to complete the Portfolio Development Programme. The Faculty concerned will then assess the portfolio and recommend it to the Senate for entry to the qualification.

If applicants are transferring from one discipline to another, their research skills will be assessed by means of a submitted research paper or the completion of a research project or a departmental admission test.

Alternatively applicants may be assessed in the following ways

• The Exit Level Outcomes of the most recent modules or study programmes passed by the applicants will be assessed to determine whether the applicant can pursue their studies at the University.
• Scholarly and/or non-academic publications and conference papers that have been completed by the applicant may be used as indices of competence.
• Applicants could provide details of conferences, seminars and colloquiums they have attended to demonstrate their engagement with the relevant subject matter, provided that copies of papers they may have presented are submitted to the department for consideration.
• Faculties may also report on the applicants' work experience and how it relates to the qualification the learner has applied for. Where necessary, Faculties/departments may also request specific input from employers to ascertain whether the work experience would be relevant to the qualification the applicant wishes to enrol for.

Entry Requirements

Access is open to learners who have completed a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physics, Level 7.

The qualification comprises compulsory and elective modules at NQF Level 8 totalling 120 Credits.

Compulsory modules, 100 Credits

• Physics, 10 Credits.
• General Astrophysics, 10 Credits.
• Computational Methods in Astronomy, 20 Credits.
• Stellar Physics, 10 Credits.
• Advanced topics in Physics, 10 Credits.
• Geospace, 10 Credits.
• Research Project, 30 Credits.

Elective modules (select one with 20 Credits or two with 10 Credits)

• General Relativity, 10 Credits.
• Observational Techniques, 10 Credits.
• Space Science, 20 Credits.
• Advanced topics in Astrophysics, 20 Credits.

1. Demonstrate knowledge of and engagement in the field of Astrophysics.
2. Use computers and write computer programmes for Astrophysics applications by drawing systematically on knowledge and appropriate technology in the field of Astronomy.
3. Design, select and apply appropriate and creative methods to solve problems and to engage and critique current research practices and techniques.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• The characteristics of Geospace are explained and the physical parameters relevant to Geospace are calculated.
• The Atomic properties and the statistical distributions related to the stars are calculated.
• The general ideas of Electromagnetic theory are applied.
• Maxwell's equations are applied and calculated.
• The different types of galaxies, galaxy evolution, and the distance scales used in cosmos are discussed.
• Einstein's theory of relativity known as General Relativity is applied and the Gravitational Waves are calculated.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Relevant principles and laws are identified when dealing with problems and the necessary approximations to obtain solutions are explored.
• Programmes are written to solve astrophysical problems.
• Computer programmes about astronomic ideas and difficult concepts are communicated.
• Astronomical telescopes/instruments are used and astronomical data is reduced using modern computational methods.
• Knowledge in astrophysical situations is applied using computer programmes.
• How space crafts are designed, their principles of operation, and their use to access and explore space and how telescopes (operating at various wavelengths) are designed, their principles of operation, and their use in astronomy and astrophysics research are discussed.
• Mathematical techniques and analysis are used to model computer programmes within the field.
• Textbooks, literature, databases, and interaction with colleagues are used to investigate and develop appropriate solutions to complex problems.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Appropriate methodologies are selected, accurate and relevant data is collected, recent literature is evaluated and the results are discussed and presented.
• Theoretical predictions are compared with published data to evaluate the significance of the results in context.
• The implications of the findings on the problem under consideration are reflected upon.
• Results of an experiment or investigation are analysed and valid conclusions are drawn and the level of uncertainty in these results and expected outcomes are evaluated.
• Recommendations related to this problem are proposed.
• Analytical ability is used to manipulate precise and intricate ideas to construct logical arguments.

Integrated Assessment

In line with the University's Assessment and Moderation Policy, Formative and Summative Assessment will be used to monitor learner progress via the Continuous Assessment strategy. The following formative tasks will be used to assess the learners' understanding and progress in the qualification:

• Assignments.
• Tests.
• Group tasks.
• Presentations.
• Work portfolios.

Summative assessment will occur at the end of each module, at the end of a semester.. This form of assessment will cover the work done in a semester and determine the learners' progression from one level to the other. The learners' promotion will be determined by the number of credits they have accumulated over a year period as stated in the promotion rules and also by the prerequisites of each module.

All assessment at Honours level will be moderated both internally and externally to ensure that the quality is maintained and that the Exit Level Outcomes are appropriately tested.