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School of Physical and Chemical Sciences
Academic school or department
Astronomy
31 October 2023
Astronomy is the oldest science where Copernicus, Kepler, and Newton made huge contributions to our knowledge and understanding of the solar system and planetary motion. UC's School of Physical and Chemical Sciences (SPCS) is one of the best places to study Astronomy in New Zealand. Find out how to study astronomy at UC.
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Astronomy is the oldest science, seen as far back as ancient China and classical Greece through to the Renaissance, where Copernicus, Kepler and Newton made huge contributions to our knowledge and understanding of the solar system and planetary motion.
But the science of Astrophysics, which seeks to explain the structure and evolution of the stars and other celestial objects by applying the principles of physics to interpret our observations, is little more than a century old.
Currently Astronomy is undergoing huge expansion as:
- we can now view the Universe at all wavelengths of the electromagnetic spectrum
- satellites can get above the atmosphere to detect gamma rays
- on the ground huge telescope arrays many kilometres wide make exciting discoveries with radio waves
- electronic detectors, known as CCDs, have replaced photography for optical observations in Astronomy and this data has led to new advances in our knowledge of the Universe.
A degree in Astronomy provides broad training in many branches of Physics as well as Astronomy, and graduates are highly employable in science, technology and computing industries. Graduates take on a broad range of careers.
Our researchers are engaged in internationally recognised work and postgraduate students have opportunities to take part in meaningful projects.
Study Astronomy at UC
For prescribed courses for the Bachelor of Science in Astronomy please see the degree regulations on the University calendar.
100-level
Required
- ASTR 112: Astrophysics
- PHYS 101: Engineering Physics A: Mechanics, Waves, Electromagnetism and Thermal Physics
- PHYS 102: Engineering Physics B: Electromagnetism, Modern Physics and 'How Things Work'
- MATH 102: Mathematics 1A
- MATH 103: Mathematics 1B
- COSC 131: Introduction to Programming for Engineers.
PHYS 101 is offered in Semesters 1 and 2 and PHYS 102 is offered in Semester 2 and as a Summer Course. MATH102/103 may be replaced by EMTH118/119.
200 level
Required
- ASTR211: Observational Astronomy
- PHYS 285: Technical and Professional Skills for Physicists
- 45 points from PHYS 201-209
- MATH 201: Multivariable Calculus
Strongly recommended
300 level
Required
- PHYS 310: Thermal, Statistical and Particle Physics
- ASTR 381: Advanced Experimental Physics and Astronomy
- ASTR 323 or ASTR 325 or ASTR 326
- PHYS311 or PHYS313
Required for postgraduate
Students intending to proceed to BSc (Hons) or MSc in Physics, Medical Physics or Astronomy should take:
(1) an additional two courses from 300-level PHYS or ASTR;
and (2) two additional courses from 300-level MATH or STAT.
Each October the PHYS 300 level guide is updated and availble on request by emailing the School of Physical and Chemical Sciences office.
Astronomy news and events
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UC Connect public lecture: NASA Astronaut Dr Anna Fisher – Women in STEM
Marking 50 years since the Moon landing, NASA astronaut Dr Anna Fisher is coming to the University of Canterbury to give an inspiring public lecture to a capacity audience.
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UC Connect public lecture: NASA Astronaut Dr Anna Fisher – Women in STEM
Marking 50 years since the Moon landing, NASA astronaut Dr Anna Fisher is coming to the University of Canterbury to give an inspiring public lecture to a capacity audience.
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UC Connect public lecture: NASA Astronaut Dr Anna Fisher – Women in STEM
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Canterbury astronomers involved in NASA DART Mission
University of Canterbury astronomers and students keenly watched the DART mission in real time at a watch party on campus, including UC researchers who are part of the DART mission.
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Canterbury astronomers involved in NASA DART Mission
University of Canterbury astronomers and students keenly watched the DART mission in real time at a watch party on campus, including UC researchers who are part of the DART mission.
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Canterbury astronomers involved in NASA DART Mission
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Canterbury Distinguished Professor Roy Kerr’s black hole theory proven right
Astronomers have captured the first image of a black hole, heralding a revolution in our understanding of the universe’s most enigmatic objects, and proving the University of Canterbury’s Canterbury Distinguished Professor Roy Kerr’s 56-year-old solution correct.
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Canterbury Distinguished Professor Roy Kerr’s black hole theory proven right
Astronomers have captured the first image of a black hole, heralding a revolution in our understanding of the universe’s most enigmatic objects, and proving the University of Canterbury’s Canterbury Distinguished Professor Roy Kerr’s 56-year-old solution correct.
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Canterbury Distinguished Professor Roy Kerr’s black hole theory proven right
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James Webb Telescope’s first pictures – Expert Reaction
UC academics Dr Michele Bannister and Associate Professor Karen Pollard comment on NASA's release of the first images taken by the James Webb Telescope.
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James Webb Telescope’s first pictures – Expert Reaction
UC academics Dr Michele Bannister and Associate Professor Karen Pollard comment on NASA's release of the first images taken by the James Webb Telescope.
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James Webb Telescope’s first pictures – Expert Reaction
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Student rocketing off to NASA JPL with NZ Space Scholarship
UC postgraduate student has been selected by NASA and the NZ Space Agency for an internship in the United States.
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Student rocketing off to NASA JPL with NZ Space Scholarship
UC postgraduate student has been selected by NASA and the NZ Space Agency for an internship in the United States.
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Student rocketing off to NASA JPL with NZ Space Scholarship
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UC scientists track satellite’s impact on astronomy
University of Canterbury astronomers at UC Mt John Observatory have co-authored a new Nature paper sharing the results of an international observing campaign conducted over 130 days.
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UC scientists track satellite’s impact on astronomy
University of Canterbury astronomers at UC Mt John Observatory have co-authored a new Nature paper sharing the results of an international observing campaign conducted over 130 days.
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UC scientists track satellite’s impact on astronomy
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NASA delegation and Minister Verrall meet UC researchers
Visiting NASA staff and Minister of Health Dr Ayesha Verrall were welcomed to the University of Canterbury campus.
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NASA delegation and Minister Verrall meet UC researchers
Visiting NASA staff and Minister of Health Dr Ayesha Verrall were welcomed to the University of Canterbury campus.
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NASA delegation and Minister Verrall meet UC researchers
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Canterbury Distinguished Professor Roy Kerr elected as Royal Society Fellow
The University of Canterbury’s Canterbury Distinguished Professor Roy Kerr is to become a Fellow of the Royal Society (UK).
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Canterbury Distinguished Professor Roy Kerr elected as Royal Society Fellow
The University of Canterbury’s Canterbury Distinguished Professor Roy Kerr is to become a Fellow of the Royal Society (UK).
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Canterbury Distinguished Professor Roy Kerr elected as Royal Society Fellow
