Qualifications
- Certificate in Science
- Bachelor of Science
- Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Commerce
- Bachelor of Sport Coaching
- Bachelor of Youth and Community Leadership
Overview
Astronomy and astrophysics are concerned with the study of the nature and distribution of matter and radiation throughout all time and space in the Universe.
Astronomers have always been keen to harness the latest technological advances in their quest for ever more precise and revealing observations. As a consequence, astronomy in recent years has been one of the most rapidly expanding of all physical sciences and many exciting and unexpected discoveries continue to be made.
Why study Astronomy at UC?
UC is the only university in Aotearoa New Zealand to offer the study of Astronomy at all levels.
Te Kura Matū | School of Physical and Chemical Sciences has an exciting programme of teaching and research, often using state-of-the-art facilities as part of its core work. These include:
- field stations for meteor and atmospheric research, which are located at Te Mata Hāpuku Birdlings Flat, and at Scott Base, Antarctica
- an internationally important astronomical observatory at Ōtehīwai Mount John, Takapō Tekapo, equipped with computer-controlled instruments and cryogenic detectors
- UC-constructed Hercules, a high resolution spectograph to search for planets and do improved stellar astrophysics.
The School collaborates nationally and internationally as well. For example, we have a collaboration with Nagoya University in Japan, who installed a 1.8 metre telescope at Ōtehīwai Mount John for finding planets orbiting distant Milky Way stars.
The Ōtautahi Christchurch Aerospace Strategic Plan aims to make the city the centre of Aotearoa New Zealand’s aerospace technology sector by 2025, which will extensively use UC’s facilities and research programmes, and offer students internships and other entrepreneurial opportunities in the industry.
UC is ranked in the top 250 universities in the world for Physics and Astronomy (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2020).
Recommended preparation
Year 13 mathematics and physics are strongly recommended for ASTR 112 Astrophysics.
Certain courses require a background in Year 13 physics and calculus.
Courses
UC offers a major and a minor in Astronomy as part of the Bachelor of Science.
You can also study this subject as a minor within the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Sport Coaching, and Bachelor of Youth and Community Leadership.
Astronomy major
To complete a major in Astronomy within the Bachelor of Science, you will need to take the following courses throughout the degree:
100-level
- ASTR 112 Astrophysics
- PHYS 101 Engineering Physics A: Mechanics, Waves and Thermal Physics
- PHYS 102 Engineering Physics B: Modern Physics and Electromagnetism (2)
- MATH 102 Mathematics 1A
- MATH 103 Mathematics 1B
COSC 121 Introduction to Computer Programming or COSC 131 Introduction to Programming for Engineers is also recommended.
200-level
- PHYS 285 Technical and Professional Skills for Physicists
- MATH 201 Multivariable Calculus
- ASTR 211 Observational Astronomy or ASTR 212 Dynamical Astronomy and the Solar System
- Three 200-level PHYS courses
MATH 202 Differential Equations and MATH 203 Linear Algebra are also recommended.
300-level
- ASTR 381 Advanced Experiments in Physics and Astronomy
- PHYS 310 Thermal, Statistical and Particle Physics
- One 300-level PHYS course
Plus at least one of:
- ASTR 323 Stellar Structure and Evolution
- ASTR 325 The Structure and Evolution of Galaxies
- ASTR 326 Special Topic: Stars and the Interstellar Medium
Astronomy minor
For the Astronomy minor in the Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Sport Coaching, or Bachelor of Youth and Community Leadership, you will need to take these courses throughout your chosen degree:
- 75 points in 100 to 300-level ASTR or PHYS courses, with at least 45 points at 200-level or above
Contact us
School of Physical and Chemical Sciences | Te Kura Matū
Phone +64 3 369 3100
Email [email protected]
Location
See the School’s website for up-to-date location details.
Postal address
College of Science | Te Rāngai Pūtaiao
University of Canterbury | Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha
Private Bag 4800
Christchurch 8140
New Zealand