HET612 Major Project - History of Astronomy

Course/s with Unit:
A unit of study in the Graduate Certificate of Science (Astronomy), Graduate Diploma of Science (Astronomy) and Master of Science (Astronomy).

Credit Points:
12.5 Credit Points

Duration:
One semester

Contact Hours:
Equivalent to 60 hours

Campus:
Off-campus

Prerequisites:
HET607 History of Astronomy, or equivalent.

Corequisites:
Nil.

Learning and Teaching Structure:
Online delivery mode, contact via newsgroups & email.

Assessment:
An electronic logbook (compulsory but not graded), a project proposal (20%), a literature review (30%) and a detailed project report (50%).

Aims:
This Unit aims to develop the student's knowledge and understanding of a particular aspect or period of the history of astronomy, and their practical literature and Internet research skills, plus synthesis and communication skills.

Objectives:
After successfully completing this Unit, students should be able to:

  • demonstrate detailed knowledge of a particular aspect of astronomical history;
  • write a literature review for a project, providing a description of background reading and the plan of research to give a broad understanding of the topic;
  • undertake independent research;
  • keep a comprehensive record of research methodologies and references/resources utilised;
  • write a detailed and clear report of techniques used, investigations undertaken and conclusions reached in the project.

Key Generic Skills:
Participation in HET612 Major Project: History of Astronomy will help students develop the attributes that are considered desirable in a Swinburne graduate including the following generic skills:

  • analysis skills
  • communications skills
  • ability to work independently

Content:
Students will undertake a substantial literature and/or Internet research project on a particular aspect or period of the history of astronomy. A variety of suggested project topics will be made available, or students may suggest their own, subject to negotiation with the unit convener.

Each student will work closely with a supervisor assigned to his or her project, communicating and exchanging drafts via email, and, where appropriate, students will collaborate with each other via newsgroup discussions.

Prescribed Textbook & Reading Materials:
For information about the textbook, follow this link.