Welcome to the page of the Astrophysics & Cosmology Research Unit (ACRU), part of the School of Mathematics, Statistics & Computer Science and the School of Chemistry & Physics at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Astronomy is the study of the night sky, but really it is the science of our origins. The big questions that astronomers try to answer are ultimately all about explaining why the
world we live in looks the way it does. Why are there different types of galaxies? How did the Universe begin? In short: How did we get here? Astronomy is a multi-disciplinary subject that involves physics, mathematics, statistics, computer programming and in some branches even geology, biology, and engineering. Astronomical research in South Africa has grown at a rapid rate due to large investment made by the South African government and the construction of local state of the art telescopes such as the Southern African Large Telescope (SALT) and the MeerKAT radio telescope. As well as its cultural value, throughout history the study of astronomy has driven advances in mathematics, statistics, and technology. Examples of such innovations include the global positioning system (GPS) used for satellite navigation, wireless internet, detectors in digital cameras, and techniques for medical imaging (e.g. non-invasive methods for detecting tumours). Professional astronomers learn problem-solving techniques and skills which are valuable in a large number of industries. Therefore, in addition to astronomy and academia, students who have studied astronomy find employment in a variety of sectors such financial services, IT, telecommunications, and companies such as Google, Amazon and Netflix. The Astrophysics and Cosmology Research Unit:
At the University of KwaZulu-Natal, astronomical research is managed by the Astrophysics and Cosmology Research Unit (ACRU). ACRU’s goals include contributing to the knowledge economy of South Africa by producing high-impact research in astronomy, and building local skills and capacity by training high calibre PhD graduates. ACRU achieves this through a strong research and teaching programme centred on world-renowned academic staff, postdoctoral researchers, postgraduate students, affiliated researchers and visitors. ACRU staff participate in a number of high-profile international astronomy projects using cutting-edge ground and space-based telescopes. ACRU researchers have published ground-breaking research findings that have made international headlines and produced a number of scientific awards. Studying Astronomy at the University of KwaZulu-Natal:
Students who wish to study astronomy at UKZN are required to register for the BSc Mathematical (M) Stream degree. The Astronomy Major has a first year in common with the Physics Major, and in fact up to the end of the second year of the degree it is possible to take all of the core Astronomy, Applied Mathematics, and Physics modules. Thereafter it is possible to specialise with a dual major in any of the following combinations: Astronomy/Physics, Astronomy/Applied Mathematics, or Applied Mathematics/Physics. The astronomy courses cover a wide range of topics, ranging from our solar system to galaxies in the distant universe. The following modules are offered at second and third year level:
Second Year
• ASTR201 - Stars and Planets
• ASTR202 - Galaxies and Cosmology
Third Year
• ASTR301 - Astronomy Beyond the Visible
• ASTR302 - Observational Project
• ASTR303 - Fluids in Astrophysics
At the BSc Honours level, UKZN offers the National Astrophysics and Space Science Programme, in addition to Honours programmes in Physics and Applied Mathematics. BSc & BSc Honours studies and bursaries:
A unique feature of ACRU’s undergraduate offering is its undergraduate internship programme. This programme assigns an academic staff mentor to each student, provides weekly enrichment classes and tutoring, and introduces students to research. Undergraduate students affiliated to ACRU have excelled in their courses over the past few years, achieving numerous accolades. Many of these students are supported by prestigious SKA undergraduate bursaries. ACRU offers comprehensive undergraduate bursaries to Grade 12 learners and undergraduate students which are funded by the SKA project. These bursaries cover the cost of tuition, residence fees and other study related expenses for the duration of the bursary. Suitable candidates with a history of academic excellence, particularly in Mathematics and Physical Science are encouraged to apply. Postgraduate studies and bursaries:
A vital component of ACRU’s research programme is the training of MSc and PhD students in research. A number of these students are supported by the South African SKA postgraduate bursary programme and many have won awards or had their work highlighted in the press. Postgraduate research opportunities at the MSc and PhD level are available in the following areas: Cosmology (including the cosmic microwave background, large-scale structure, epoch of reionisation, and clusters of galaxies); Extragalactic Astronomy (including galaxy formation and evolution); and Relativistic Astrophysics (including the study of compact objects, such as neutron stars and black holes). In addition, ACRU hosts a node of the National Astrophysics and Space Science Programme that is focused on training postgraduate students at the MSc level. Sources of funding for postgraduate study include:
• National Research Foundation (NRF) funding for postgraduate students
• Funding from the South African SKA project
• Funding via NRF research grants held by individual ACRU members
• Funding through the National Institute for Theoretical Physics
• UKZN funding through graduate assistantships
• UKZN scholarships and bursary programme
