AS5012 - Astronomy Instrumentation

Credit points:	06
Year:	2011
Student Contribution Band:	Band 4
Administered by:	School of Engineering

Available only to students enrolled in the Graduate Certificate of Astronomy, Graduate Diploma of Astronomy, Master of Astronomy and Doctor of Astronomy.

This subject concentrates on ground-based optical and radio observational and remote sensing techniques; on spacecraft (for planetary exploration) and space telescopes. Topics include optical telescope types, photography, CCD imaging, image processing, time measurement, astrometry, spectrographs and spectroscopy, radio telescopes, radio interferometry, radio spectroscopy. It also studies space astronomy techniques and instrumentation, the Hubble Space Telescope, orbiting infrared, X-ray, gamma ray telescopes, space VLBI, planetary probes, remote sensing, robotic and human exploration of the Moon and Mars and the economics of commercial spacecraft.

Learning Outcomes

• develop verbal and written presentation skills;
• introduction to advanced measurement techniques;
• introduction to the way in which the Universe is studied at an advanced level;
• learn the limitations in experimental work, and the sources of error that are present, and how error is eliminated in experimental work;
• learn the vocabulary of science and the thinking processes of scientists;
• learn to fully utilise the Internet for learning and research.

Availabilities
External, Study Period 2
Census Date 25-Aug-2011
Coord/Lect:	Mr Alex Hons.
Method of Delivery:	WWW - LearnJCU
Assessment:	end of semester exam (40%); essays (30%); assignments (30%).

Note: Minor variations might occur due to the continuous Subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.