HET617 Major Project - Computational Astrophysics

Credit Points:

12.5

Duration & Workload:

One semester, equivalent to a 5 contact hour per week lecture course

Prerequisites:

HET604, or equivalent, and introductory tertiary-level mathematics & physics (or equivalent). Note that some modules will also have additional prerequisites of HET602* or HET611** (see below for details)

Corequisites:

Nil

Aims:

This unit will aim to develop the student's:

  • Understanding of specific astrophysical concepts with the aid of computer simulations;
  • practical experience in the use of numerical modelling and data analysis; and
  • ability to keep a comprehensive record of their investigations, to write a detailed summary report of techniques used and investigations undertaken, and to communicate effectively about the outcomes of their work.
Content:

Students will choose from a range of computational astrophysics modules which will teach students about specific astrophysical concepts with the aid of computer simulations, and will also give students a grounding in computer modelling and an appreciation of the ability of science and computers to make complex phenomena understandable. Students will gain a deep understanding - via numerical experiments - of the physics governing systems such as the asteroid belt, the evolution of stars, the orbits of stars within the galaxy, and galactic dynamics.

Students will choose a pre-existing module around which their Major Project will be based. The current list of modules are:

  • Pulsar Population Synthesis (Requires an understanding of probability theory)
  • Binary Evolution (**Also requires HET611 as a prerequisite)
  • Galaxy Mergers
  • Solar System Dynamics (* Also requires HET602 as a prerequisite)
  • Stellar Evolution (** Also requires HET611 as a prerequisite)
There is also a module on Stellar Orbits which can serve as an introductory module to help students gain an understanding of numerical models and dynamical systems in particular.

All modules will use the Swinburne supercomputer via a web interface. Students are not expected to know any programming languages or write their own codes, but they should gain an understanding of the algorithms used in each module. Students will use a web interface to run numerical simulations on the Swinburne supercomputer and can then download the results and data files to analyse on their home computers. Under exceptional circumstances, students may choose their own project topic after consultation and agreement with the SAO coordinator, and assuming an appropriate project supervisor can be found.

Each student will work closely with a supervisor assigned to their project, communicating and exchanging drafts via e-mail, and, where appropriate, students will collaborate with each other via newsgroup discussions.

Teaching Method:

This unit will be presented in on-line delivery mode, with contact via newsgroup, e-mail and Internet links. It should be noted that this unit requires access to the internet to run the numerical simulations. Time consuming jobs will be run in a batch mode, so that students can disconnect from the internet and will be emailed once their jobs are complete.

Assessment Method:

A project proposal (or 'Scientific Justification'), a detailed project report, plus a short summary 'poster paper' make up 100% of the total marks. Students will also be required to keep an electronic notebook (via a newsgroup) recording their research and progress.

Textbook:
For information about the textbook, follow this link