Global Utilities

La Trobe University
University Handbook 2010

Undergraduate courses offered by the Faculty

Bachelor of Science with a specialisation in Space Science:
Bachelor of Science (Honours) with a specialisation in Space Science

This specialisation provides students with an understanding of basic principles in areas of space science, including astronomy, relevant to industries using space technology and prepares them for admission to higher degrees in space science and other areas of physical science and mathematics. Students are educated in a broad range of space sciences that includes astronomy, remote sensing, GPS techniques, space weather, and the geospace environment. The specialisation includes basic mathematics and physics, and students can take options from a wide range of subjects including computer science and electronics.

Structure:

The specialisation requires students to take 75 credit points at first year level, 105 credit points at second year level and 80 credit points at third year levels respectively.

First year (75 credit points)
Teaching period Subject name Subject code Credit Points
TE-SEM-1 Calculus and Number Systems MAT1CNS 15
TE-SEM-1 Principles of Physics A PHY1SCA 15
TE-SEM-2 Astronomy and Space: The Infinite Frontier PHY1AST 15
TE-SEM-2 Calculus and Linear Algebra MAT1CLA 15
TE-SEM-2 Principles of Physics B PHY1SCB 15
Second year (105 credit points)
Teaching period Subject name Subject code Credit Points
TE-SEM-1 Modern Physics PHY2MOD 15
TE-SEM-1 Optics PHY2OPT 15
TE-SEM-1 Vector Calculus MAT2VCA 15
TE-SEM-2 Electromagnetism and Modern Materials PHY2EMM 15
TE-SEM-2 Linear Algebra MAT2LAL 15
TE-SEM-2 Mechanics MAT2MEC 15
TE-SEM-2 Space Science Instruments PHY2SPI 15
Third year (80 credit points)
Teaching period Subject name Subject code Credit Points
TE-SEM-1 Atomic and Nuclear Physics PHY3ANP 15
TE-SEM-1 Physics of Quantum Matter PHY3PQM 15
TE-SEM-2 Electromagnetic Theory and Plasma Physics PHY3EPP 15
TE-SEM-2 Greenhouse Effect and Climate Change PHY3GRE 10
TE-SEM-2 Thermal and Statistical Physics PHY3TSP 15
TE-SEM-2 Remote Sensing PHY3REM 10

Honours

Honours degree students are selected based on their performance in the final year of the three-year degree. To be eligible, students must obtain a minimum average of 60% across their third year subjects and obtain at least 65% in relevant third year subjects comprising at least 60 credit points. Students enrol in the physics honours program and undertake a space physics project.