Dr Michael Cowley, 7 August, 2023 | Dr Michael Cowley, QUT Astrophysics
Welcome to the world of astrophysics at QUT, where we unravel the mysteries of the universe and empower our students to address global challenges! Our research in astrophysics not only fuels our curiosity about the cosmos but also leads to real-world innovations like personal computers, fast wireless technology, satellites, solar panels, mobile phones, and medical imaging.
As the lead of QUT’s Astrophysics Research Group, I am thrilled to share with you the captivating world of astrophysics and the endless possibilities it holds for your future studies and career.
Astrophysics Research at QUT
At QUT, our Astrophysics Research Group is at the forefront of scientific exploration. Our academic staff and students are active across a diverse range of astronomical research projects, delving into the mysteries of galaxy formation, supermassive black holes, multi-wavelength photometry, and more. For our students, this means an opportunity to immerse yourself in groundbreaking research and understand the fundamental nature of the universe.
The Astrophysics Minor at QUT
But how does astrophysics fit into our Bachelor of Science degree? This is where our astrophysics minor comes in. A minor at QUT is a set of related units in a secondary focus of study, making up 48 credit points. Our astrophysics minor is an excellent platform for you to develop critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, paving the way for a bright and successful future. You'll be equipped with not only scientific knowledge but also a set of versatile skills that will transcend boundaries.
Research Experience Scheme
Each year, undergraduate students are offered a remarkable opportunity to participate in an astrophysics research project, providing them with excellent development prospects for transitioning to HDR (Higher Degree by Research) study. The Research Experience Scheme is an immersive experience that allows participating students to become an integral part of our QUT Astrophysics Research Group's cutting-edge activities. Under the guidance of our experts and using state-of-the-art facilities, students gain hands-on experience and contribute to real-world research projects.
Uncovering Ancient Wisdom
At QUT, we recognise the profound contributions of First Nations cultures of Australia as the world’s oldest astronomers, and we strive to raise awareness and appreciation of their knowledge. By incorporating Indigenous knowledge systems in our teaching and research, we gain a deeper understanding of celestial bodies, astronomical events, and cosmic cycles.
To all the young minds seeking to unravel the universe's marvels, I invite you to learn more about science studies at QUT and explore our physics major and astrophysics minor. The possibilities are limitless, and the discoveries ahead are bound to shape the world.
Author
Michael is an astrophysicist and lecturer at QUT. As supervisor of QUT's Astrophysics Research Group, he contributes to extragalactic astronomy and cosmology projects and specialises in galaxy evolution and supermassive black holes.