AS5500 Research Skills in Astrophysics

Academic year

2025 to 2026 Full Year

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

30

The Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) system allows credits gained in Scotland to be transferred between institutions. The number of credits associated with a module gives an indication of the amount of learning effort required by the learner. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits are half the value of SCOTCAT credits.

SCQF level

SCQF level 11

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.

Availability restrictions

Available only to students on MSc Astrophysics.

Module coordinator

Dr M Dominik

Dr M Dominik
This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module description

This module will introduce students to the research skills needed for a career in astrophysics. The module consists of two introductory lectures on programming, followed by a tutorial-based system to introduce the skills of astrophysical research. These skills include critical analysis of the scientific literature; presenting research topics and results to a scientific and general audience; a basic computational competence; and undertaking novel research in areas of current astrophysical interest, potentially including science education and public outreach. In Semester 1 students will attend weekly AS5500 meetings and work on research skills assignments. Students work 'half-time' on their project through semester 2. All students must meet weekly with their project supervisor and attend the weekly AS5500 meetings. Most projects are based in research groups in the School, where students can benefit from peer support and informal interaction with academic supervisor and other members of research teams. It is expected that the 20 hours a week will be primarily in this environment.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisites

STUDENTS MUST BE REGISTERED ON MSC ASTROPHYSICS.

Assessment pattern

Coursework = 100%

Re-assessment

Coursework = 100%, capped at grade 7

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

S1: 1hr tutorial x 10 weeks, 3hr presentation session x 1 week, 1hr research seminars x 10 weeks. S2: 1hr tutorial x 10 weeks, 3hr presentation session x 1 week, 1hr research seminar x 10 weeks, 1hr supervisor meeting x 11 weeks

Scheduled learning hours

57

The number of compulsory student:staff contact hours over the period of the module.

Guided independent study hours

243

The number of hours that students are expected to invest in independent study over the period of the module.

Intended learning outcomes

  • carry out an original research project, under supervision of an experienced researcher
  • critically evaluate their own knowledge, as well as identify the knowledge they need to acquire to carry out a scientific task or project
  • Develop their literature review skills to find information sources, extract relevant information, and critically evaluate, interpret and apply this information
  • Enhance their communication and presentation skills to enable them to present the results and broader context of their research project, both orally and on paper

Additional information from school

For guidance on AS and PH modules please consult the School Handbook, at https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/physics-astronomy/students/ug/timetables-handbooks/