MoCA is the Monash Centre for Astrophysics and consists of astronomy and astrophysics researchers in both the School of Mathematics and School of Physics and Astronomy. Courses and degrees administered by members of MoCA are available through either school.
A powerpoint presentation is available about How and Why to Study Astronomy and Astrophysics at Monash.
Postgraduate
We have put together a step-by-step guide to starting a PhD at MoCA.
The Centre houses many research students investigating diverse areas of astrophysics at doctoral or masters level. It is possible to study either option part- or full-time. Each student is given a desk and office space within the department. Graduate students work closely with a supervisor in the department, and will also have at least one additional supervisor, either at Monash or further afield. Several students have overseas Associate supervisors and get to spend extended time studying abroad.
Some of the benefits of studying Astrophysics at MoCA are:
- Access to world-leading scientists, especially in theoretical astronomy
- Funding for at least one overseas conference during study
- Active research groups provide close links with other students and researchers
- MoCA receives a dedicated 14 nights per annum access to WiFeS
- Excellent training in computational astrophysics and advanced modelling
- Monash University is located close to excellent beaches, some of Australia's preminum wine regions and easy access to snow and skiing in winter.
For more information, please contact the Director of MoCA, Alexander Heger.
Some useful links:
- Monash University Institute of Graduate Research who are responsible for doctoral admissions, scholarships, etc.
- Monash Postgraduate Association (MPA) represents all student enrolled in PhD, EdD, Masters and Postgraduate Diploma courses.
- Monash University Employment and Career Development provides a professional employment and careers service to students, graduates and employers.
Honours
The honours year bring students right into touch with research for the first time. Broadly, the program consists of 6 coursework units (mostly in semester one), and a major thesis project under the supervision of one or more faculty members (mostly in semester two). Honours students become part of MoCA with their own desks in the Centre, and plenty of chance to work closely with staff and fellow students.
Please note that although Honours is offered through the School of Physics and Astronomy you can be supervised by anyone in MoCA.
Information for students considering Honours at MoCA is available from the Physics and Astronomy honours page.
Undergraduate
Astronomy and Astrophysics can be pursued as either a minor or major sequence through the Faculty of Science. The following courses are offered in the School of Physics and Astronomy:
- ASP 1010 - Earth to Cosmos - Introductory Astronomy
- ASP 1022 - Life in the Universe
- ASP 2011 - Astronomy
- ASP 2062 - Introduction to Astrophysics
- ASP 3012 - Stars and Galaxies
- ASP 3051 - Relativity and Cosmology
- ASP 3222 - Physics for Astrophysics
- ASP 3231 - Observational Astronomy
More information can be found in the Monash Undergraduate Handbook for Astronomy and Astrophysics.
Please direct questions to either the Undergraduate co-ordinator in: