This course covers the fundamentals of the use of computing in theoretical and observational astrophysics research. Students will acquire the skills necessary to write computer programs to handle and process astronomical data. They will learn techniques to model astronomical processes and solve numerical problems related to them, including fundamental tools of numerical analysis such as numerical solution of differential equations and Fourier analysis. They will learn to use a range of statistical and machine learning tools to analyse astronomical data and draw inferences from it.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Create effective and robust algorithms for common numerical tasks such as numerical integration, interpolation, Fourier analysis and statistics, implemented in C and/or Python.
- Create an efficient development environment involving code, makefiles and the use of subroutine libraries.
- Critically evaluate which numerical techniques and software tools are appropriate to use for applications in machine learning, large data sets and related statistical analysis.
- Effectively apply modern parallel computers to solve large computational problems.
- Clearly communicate code functionality and intent using comments and documentation, so that code can be read, used, and shared by others.
Work Integrated Learning
Projects
Students may engage with WIL partners (internal/external) as a component of the course
Indicative Assessment
- 4 x programming assignments (80) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
- Final exam (20) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
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Workload
The expected workload will consist of approximately 130 hours throughout the semester including:
- Face-to face component which may consist of 3 hours of lectures (1x2 hour lecture plus 1x1 hour lecture) and 1 x 1 hour tutorial per week
- Approximately 82 hours of self-study which will include preparation for lectures, presentations and other assessment tasks (average 6 hours per week on assignments).
Inherent Requirements
No specific inherent requirements identified for this course.
Requisite and Incompatibility
You will need to contact the Research School of Astronomy and Astrophysics to request a permission code to enrol in this course.
Prescribed Texts
N/A
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 2
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $4680 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $6720 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
Second Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8147 | 21 Jul 2025 | 28 Jul 2025 | 31 Aug 2025 | 24 Oct 2025 | In Person | N/A |