AS5599 Astrophysics Research Project (MSc)
Academic year
2025 to 2026 Full Year
Curricular information may be subject to change
Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.
Key module information
SCOTCAT credits
60
SCQF level
SCQF level 11
Availability restrictions
Available only to students on MSc Astrophysics.
Module description
The project aims to develop students' skills in searching the appropriate literature, in astrophysical theory or experimental and observational design, the evaluation and interpretation of data, and the presentation of a report. There is no specific syllabus for this module. Students taking the MSc Astrophysics degree select a project from a list of those available and are supervised by a member of the academic staff.
Relationship to other modules
Pre-requisites
REGISTRATION ON MSC ASTROPHYSICS. SOME PROJECTS WILL NEED LEARNING FROM SPECIFIC MODULES - PLEASE CONTACT POTENTIAL SUPERVISORS.
Co-requisites
YOU MUST ALSO TAKE AS5500
Assessment pattern
Coursework = 100%
Learning and teaching methods and delivery
Weekly contact
1hr peer group session x 11 weeks, 1hr supervisory meeting x 11 weeks, 1hr research seminar x 12 weeks
Scheduled learning hours
34
Guided independent study hours
566
AS5599 Astrophysics Research Project (MSc)
Academic year
2026 to 2027 Full Year
Curricular information may be subject to change
Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.
Key module information
SCOTCAT credits
60
SCQF level
SCQF level 11
Availability restrictions
Available only to students on MSc Astrophysics.
Module description
The students will develop skills alongside working on a research project, submit a project report, and have a project viva. The project aims to develop students' skills in searching the appropriate literature, in astrophysical theory or experimental and observational design, the evaluation and interpretation of data, and the presentation of a report. Students taking the MSc Astrophysics degree select a project from a list offered by members of staff acting as supervisor, or alternative co-develop a project with them.
Relationship to other modules
Pre-requisites
REGISTRATION ON MSC ASTROPHYSICS. SOME PROJECTS WILL NEED LEARNING FROM SPECIFIC MODULES - PLEASE CONTACT POTENTIAL SUPERVISORS.
Co-requisites
YOU MUST ALSO TAKE AS5500
Assessment pattern
Coursework = 100%
Learning and teaching methods and delivery
Weekly contact
1hr peer group session x 11 weeks, 1hr supervisory meeting x 10 weeks, 1hr research seminar x 12 weeks
Scheduled learning hours
34
Guided independent study hours
566
Intended learning outcomes
- Develope a level of confidence to plan and work independently in a research environment.
- Develop their literature review skills to effectively emphasise the relevance and context of a research topic.
- Acquire technical skills to record and/or analyse data appropriately or perform appropriate calculations or simulations.
- Develop critical thinking skills in order to progress their own work through reasoned evaluation.
- Gain experience of the collaborative exchange of ideas in an active research environment.
- Have further enhanced their communication and presentation skills to enable them to emphasise the key outcomes of their work effectively and to support their conclusions when questioned.
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/