Prof Paul Cally
Professor of Solar Physics
Centre for Stellar & Planetary Astrophysics
Head in the Stars, Feet on
the Ground:
Studying Astronomy &
Astrophysics
The Big Questions (for you)
- Why study Astronomy & Astrophysics?
- How to study Astronomy & Astrophysics.
- Then what? Road to becoming a professional
astronomer/astrophysicist.
- But what if I decide, after all that, that a career
in A & A is not for me? Were my studies
wasted?
- I know already that I don’t want to become an
astronomer, but I’m interested to learn about it
as part of my studies. Can I do that?
Important Web Sites
• CSPA: Centre for Stellar & Planetary Astrophysics
–
–
http://www.cspa.monash.edu.au/
Information about A & A research at Monash
• Undergraduate Astronomy & Astrophysics at Monash
–
–
http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/handbooks/aos/sci-ug-astronomy-and-astrophysics.html
ASP course structure and links to individual unit summaries
• The ASP program is offered jointly by the School of Mathematical
Sciences and the School of Physics. See their individual web sites.
Why study Astronomy & Astrophysics?
• The science of the Universe
• One of Australia’s highest profile sciences
• Built firmly on maths, physics, chemistry,
computer science, optics, electronics,
aeronautics and space, …
– All “saleable” skills
• A truly international and open science
• It’s fun!
How to study Astronomy & Astrophysics
• Enter the BSc or related degree
• Make sure you have a strong
maths/physics foundation
– “Students considering taking a major sequence in astrophysics should
complete PHS1011 and PHS1022 and at least 12 points of mathematics
units at level one, normally MTH1020 (Analysis of change) and
MTH1030 or equivalent. Students may also find it advantageous to
include some chemistry, computer science or geosciences units,
depending on their particular interests.”
– “For students who have completed VCE Specialist Mathematics units 3
and 4 with an average grade of B or above in the written examination
components, the recommended level one mathematics sequence is MTH1030 and
MTH2010.”
Units 2010
Level one
* ASP1010 Earth to cosmos - introductory astronomy
* ASP1022 Life and the universe
Level two
* ASP2011 Astronomy
* ASP2062 Introduction to astrophysics
Level three
* ASP3012
* ASP3051
* ASP3222
* ASP3231
Stars and galaxies
Relativity and cosmology
Physics for astrophysics
Observational astronomy
Descriptive and
introductory – not
essential for
further ASP study.
Strong maths and
physics more
important.
Honours – the 4th year
• Get a Credit (70%+) or better at 3rd level
• Invited to do Honours (BSc Hons)
• Introduction to research – major project
+ advanced coursework
• Tough year!! Lots of work, lots of
pressure, lots of benefits
• Huge advance in your capabilities as a
scientist
• Big advantage when looking for a job!
Then what? Road to becoming a
professional astronomer/astrophysicist
• The PhD: essential right-of-passage for a
research scientist
• Need First Class Honours (80%+)
• Tax-free scholarships available;
supplemented by tutoring at Monash
• 3-4 years research and study
– Publish research papers
– Present at international conferences
– Externally examined on your thesis
• Put “Dr” in front of your name!
Postdoc – your first real job as a
professional scientist
• The world is your oyster
• My most recent PhD students are now
in:
– Colorado Research Associates, Colorado
– Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research,
Germany (×2)
– Space Sciences Laboratory, Berkeley, California
– Romanian Academy, Bucharest
– Others from CSPA went to Spain, Taiwan, Canada, …
and even Australia!
Beyond your Postdoc
• Most people do 1 or 2 postdocs, total 3-6
yrs. This is where you build your
international reputation.
• Look for permanent positions in
universities, research institutes,
observatories, …
• In Australia: Monash, Melbourne,
Swinburne, Sydney, UNSW, Macquarie,
UQ, …; AAO, ATNF, …
But what if I decide, after all that, that a career in
A & A is not for me? Were my studies wasted?
• No! Since A & A is so multidisciplinary, you have
picked up maths, physics, computing, writing &
presentation, … skills that are easily turned
elsewhere. For example
– Science journalism (e.g., Graham Phillips, ABC Catalyst)
– Museum, science education (e.g., Tanya Hill, Scienceworks)
– Medical physics/imaging, Bioinformatics (e.g., Tony Papenfuss,
Walter and Eliza Hall)
– Other science research (CSIRO, BHP, …)
– IT
– Finance (many examples – very common)
I know already that I don’t want to become an
astronomer, but I’m interested to learn about it
as part of my studies. Can I do that?
• Yes. The Monash BSc course structure
is specifically set up to allow you to do
“minors” or even individual units for
pure interest. Many students take the 1st
yr and or 2nd yr astro units with no
intention of going further.
• This is all part of a well rounded science
degree. Total specialization too early
may not fit you best for a rapidly
evolving future.
Contacts
• School of Mathematical Sciences,
Building 28
• Me: paul.cally@monash.edu
• ASP coordinator (2010):
rosemary.mardling@monash.edu