Undergraduate Astronomy Courses
Astronomy is taught as a three year undergraduate course at the University of Cape Town (
UCT). From 2009 UCT is offering an undergraduate course in astro-technology. Astronomy can studied by distance learning through
UNISA. Many astronomers start by majoring in physics as part of a BSc degree, specialising in astronomy at post-graduate level. For example, the undergraduate physics with electronics course run by Rhodes University has produced many radio astronomers.
Radio Astronomy Practicals
Practicals are carried out at Hartebeesthoek by physics students at third and fourth year level from a number of South African universities. The practicals are tailored to the requirements of the group. The content includes hands-on work with microwave equipment, theory of radio astronomy and observations with the radio telescope. Practicals can range from one day to one week in duration. Universities that have participated include Venda, UNISA, NorthWest University, Rhodes, University of Johannesburg, Wits and the NASSP consortium, currently hosted by UCT.
Radio Astronomy Projects for Honours, Masters and PhD Students
Projects in radio astronomy are available for students from undergraduate level up to PhD level. Usually a staff member of HartRAO acts as supervisor or a co-supervisor. A range of topics are available for projects in radio astronomy.
Further details of the types of research being done at HartRAO may be found in the pages on spectroscopy, continuum radiometry, pulsar timing, VLBI and geodesy. Note that VLBI projects would only be available at Masters or Doctoral level as they require the use of international arrays of radio telescopes.
HartRAO normally provides financial support for MSc and PhD students who will be based at the Observatory.
Postgraduate Courses in Radio Astronomy
An Honours, Masters and PhD programme in Astrophysics and Space Science is being run by a consortium of South African Universities and National Research Facilities. This is currently hosted at the University of Cape Town. For more information see the
National Astronomy and Space Science Programme. HartRAO contributes to the funding for this programme, which includes courses on radio astronomy and related fields, and practical work at HartRAO.
In addition, courses or research opportunities in radio astronomy are offered at Honours level and beyond at:
- Physics Department, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, Eastern Cape Province.
- Unit for Space Physics, NorthWest University at Potchefstroom, North West Province.
- Astronomy Department, University of Cape Town, Western Cape Province.
- Physics Department, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, Western Cape Province.
- Department of Mathematics, Applied Mathematics and Astronomy at the University of South Africa (UNISA).
Arrangements have been made with some universities that do not offer astronomy courses to credit courses done through UNISA. The student will be awarded the appropriate credits from his or her home institute.
Karoo Array Telescope Bursaries
The
Karoo Array Telescope (KAT) team are offering bursaries in a range of scientific and engineering disciplines. This
poster provides information about KAT and the forthcoming Square Kilometre Array (SKA), and career opportunities in radio astronomical and allied engineering disciplines.
Links
Information about getting to HartRAO
Accommodation at HartRAO
Gallery
Radio Astronomy Practical for NASSP and RU students, 2006
Radio Astronomy practical for NASSP, RU and UCT students, 2005
RAU students at HartRAO, 2004
North-West University students at HartRAO, 2004
First NASSP student practical, 2003