100-level

ASTR109
The Cosmos: Birth and Evolution
Description
In this "astronomy for poets" course, we take a grand tour of the universe! We will explore how our societies connect to our place in the cosmos, build your own personal awareness of how the Earth and sky relate, and gain an understanding of astronomy, astrophysics and planetary science, beginning with our Solar System and expanding outward to visit exotic stars, remote planets, and distant galaxies. During the journey we will learn about the ways we build this understanding, from voyaging Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa | the Pacific to mapping the structure and origin of the Universe itself. Suitable for inclusion in any course of study.
Occurrences
Semester One 2025
Semester One 2025 (Distance)
Points
15 points
Restrictions
(1) PHYS109. (2) Students who have been credited with ASTR112 cannot subsequently be credited with ASTR109.
ASTR112
Astrophysics
Description
A cutting-edge introduction to modern astrophysics for those potentially interested in further study, building your expertise in how to apply the tools of physics and mathematics to astronomical situations. We start by explaining how stars shine, and follow their evolution from birth to violent death. We explore the physics of our planetary system and strange new worlds around other stars. We then move out into the cosmos, viewing our own Galaxy across the electromagnetic spectrum: revealing the evidence for dark matter and supermassive black holes. Finally, we use our telescopes as time machines to look out and back in the Universe, studying other galaxy systems, and the origin and fate of the whole Universe. This course requires some mathematical skills; please contact the course organiser for details.
Occurrences
Semester One 2025
Points
15 points
COSC131
Introduction to Programming for Engineers
Description
Computer programming in a high-level language with special emphasis on numerical computation. This course is required for engineering intermediate and is an alternative to COSC121 as a prerequisite for COSC122 and all 200 level COSC and SENG courses. COSC131 teaches the fundamentals of computer programming using the Python language and can be taken by students who have no previous programming background. Topics include expressions, assignment, selection and iteration, structured data (lists, dictionaries, tuples, arrays), functional decomposition, file processing, numerical computation with numpy, graph plotting with matplotlib and an introduction to object-oriented programming.
Occurrences
Semester One 2025
Semester Two 2025
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
1) EMTH117 or MATH101, or 2) NCEA 14 Credits (18 strongly recommended) at level 3 Mathematics (including the standards 'Apply differentiation methods in solving problems (91578)' and 'Apply integration methods in solving problems (91579)'), or 3) Cambridge: D at A level or an A at AS level in Mathematics, or 4) IB: 4 at HL or 5 at SL in Mathematics, or 5) approval of the Head of Department based on alternative prior learning. (01 Jan 2024 - present)
Restrictions
COSC121

200-level

ASTR211
Observational Astronomy
Description
A very hands-on course, with the participation of students in tutorials and all of the assessment by way of practical assignments. The syllabus will include: telescopes, CCDs, filters, general image processing methods, astrometry, coordinate systems, time photometry and spectroscopy. Students will also be exposed to astronomy research, including a field trip to the University of Canterbury Mt. John Observatory where students are expected to carry out their own projects.
Occurrences
Semester Two 2025
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
(1) ASTR112; and (2) COSC131 or COSC121; and (3) PHYS285. These prerequisites may be replaced by a suitable alternative background approved by the Head of School.
Restrictions
ASTR231

300-level

ASTR323
Stellar Structure and Evolution
Description
The physics governing stellar structure, a descriptive approach to stellar evolution, and related topics.
Occurrences
Semester Two 2025
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
(1) 30 points from PHYS203-206, ASTR211-212; and (2) MATH103 or MATH109 or EMTH119 or MATH201.
Restrictions
ASTR423
ASTR332
Theoretical and Observational Cosmology
Description
This course is an account of modern cosmology. It will include a discussion on the large scale homogenous and isotropic nature of the Universe and how the Universe is expanding with time. This will be followed by a brief review of the aspects of General Relativity that we will need in the course. After that, we will discuss the constituents of the Universe and how the expansion of the Universe has changed over time. The apparent accelerating expansion of the Universe and the proposed dark energy explanation for it will also be discussed. The evidence for dark matter and what properties it appears to have will be reviewed. We will use the Boltzmann equation to understand big bang nuclear synthesis and the cosmic microwave background. These are two of the main observational pillars of the big bang model of the Universe. The Boltzmann equation will be used to study a thermal relic model of dark matter. We will then go on to study the inhomogeneity of large scale structure such as galaxies, galaxy clusters and the cosmic web. The anisotropies in the cosmic microwave background will be analysed. We will see how observations of both of these phenomena can allow us to tightly constrain many properties of the Universe. Pre-requisites - additional info: Prior astronomy courses would be useful but are not essential as we will cover any needed subjects during the course.
Occurrences
Semester One 2025
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
(1) PHYS205 and PHYS203; and (2) MATH201. RP: MATH202
Restrictions
ASTR422, ASTR322
ASTR381
Advanced Experiments in Physics and Astronomy
Description
Execution and write-up of selected laboratory experiments.
Occurrences
Semester Two 2025
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
(1) PHYS285; (2) 30 points from PHYS201-206 including either PHYS202 or PHYS205). (3) MATH103 or EMTH119 or MATH201. RP: MATH201
Restrictions
PHYS381
PHYS381
Advanced Experimental Physics and Astronomy
Description
Execution and write-up of selected laboratory experiments.
Occurrences
Semester Two 2025
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
(1) PHYS285; (2) 30 points from PHYS201-206 including either PHYS202 or PHYS205); (3) MATH103 or EMTH119 or MATH201. RP: MATH201
Restrictions
ASTR381
ASTR391
Introductory Astronomy Research
Description
150 hours of research undertaken with the supervision of an active researcher. To be assessed with an oral presentation 20%, and a short written report 80%. This course may be started at any time with the agreement of the HOD. Note that start and end dates may affect entitlement to Studylink support.
Occurrences
Summer Nov 2024
Semester Two 2025
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
(1) MATH103 or MATH109 or equivalent (2) 44 points from PHYS200 or ASTR200 (3) Entry subject to a supervisor approved by the Head of Department, being available
Restrictions
ASTR392, ASTR393

Not Offered Courses in 2025

100-level

PHYS109
The Cosmos: Birth and Evolution
Description
ASTR109 / PHYS 109 will take you on a grand tour of the universe! We will survey a range of topics in Astronomy, Astrophysics and Cosmology beginning with the denizens of our solar system and expanding outward to visit exotic stars and distant galaxies. During the journey we will learn about how the universe works and will highlight the key discoveries that have led us to this understanding.
Occurrences
Not offered 2025
For further information see PHYS109 course details
Points
15 points

200-level

ASTR212
Dynamical Astronomy and the Solar System
Description
Orbital dynamics, the solar system and planetary exploration.
Occurrences
Not offered 2025, offered in 2014 , 2016
For further information see ASTR212 course details
Points
15 points
ASTR231
Observational Astronomy
Description
A very hands-on course, with the participation of students in tutorials and all of the assessment by way of practical assignments. The syllabus will include: telescopes, CCDs, filters, general image processing methods, astrometry, coordinate systems, time photometry and spectroscopy. Students will also be exposed to astronomy research, including a field trip to the University of Canterbury Mt. John Observatory where students are expected to carry out their own projects.
Occurrences
Not offered 2025, offered in 2019 , 2020 , 2021 , 2022
For further information see ASTR231 course details
Points
30 points

300-level

ASTR324
Special Topic
Occurrences
Not offered 2025, offered in 2014 , 2015 , 2016 , 2017 , 2018
For further information see ASTR324 course details
Points
15 points
ASTR325
The Structure and Evolution of Galaxies
Description
This course will give a thorough grounding in the physics of galaxies, covering galactic structure, dynamics, stellar populations, the Local Group. spiral galaxies, elliptical galaxies, galactic formation, galactic distribution and large-scale structure.
Occurrences
Not offered 2025, offered in 2016 , 2018 , 2020 , 2022 , 2024
For further information see ASTR325 course details
Points
15 points