Natural Sciences Tripos - Programme Specification: Part III Astrophysics

Aims and objectives

The Part III course is designed to develop students' analytical, critical and numerical skills to the point that they are equipped to undertake independent research in astrophysics. These aims are advanced through taught courses, which develop students' mathematical skills through detailed analysis of topics at the forefront of contemporary research and through the hands on experience of a substantial research project. The project work encourages students to develop a critical attitude and an innovative approach to problem solving. The more independent working style is developed under the guidance of a supervisor from the Institute of Astronomy.

How to Apply

Those taking Part II Mathematics or Part II Physics who are interested in taking Part III Astrophysics in their 4th year should contact the Institute of Astronomy as early as possible (preferably no later than the end of the previous Easter term) to ascertain the likelihood of places being available. This is subject to obtaining a II.1 in Part II. In either case, please email ugadmin@ast.cam.ac.uk

More information on expected course prerequisites for Part II and Part III Astrophysics, can be found here. Please note the 2020 only update.

Any requests for further information should be directed to Professor Chris Tout cat@ast.cam.ac.uk or to the undergraduate secretary ugadmin@ast.cam.ac.uk.

Feedback and Consultation Mechanisms

During the first two weeks of Michaelmas Term students will be invited to elect one representative from their Part III Astrophysics cohort to attend Teaching Committee meetings. Normally these meetings are held at 2pm on the fourth Thursday of each Full Term.

Students are invited to complete feedback questionnaires for each lecture course. These are relayed to the lecturer. In addition, at the end of the year, there is a general feedback questionnaire on the course as a whole. This is considered by the Astrophysics Teaching Committee. Students are however urged to get in contact with the Part III Course Coordinator at the earliest opportunity if they encounter problems during the year.

Key Contacts

	Contact	Phone	Office	E-mail
Course Coordinator	Vasily Belokurov	37515	Hoyle Rm 20	vasily@ast.cam.ac.uk
Course Secretary	Fatima Rasool	37552	Hoyle Rm 6	ugadmin@ast.cam.ac.uk
Teaching Committee Chair	Chris Tout	37502	Hoyle Rm 61	cat@ast.cam.ac.uk
Director	Richard McMahon	37519	Hoyle Rm 49	rgm@ast.cam.ac.uk
Director's PA	Susan Hatley	37521	Hoyle Rm 48	hodpa@ast.cam.ac.uk
IoA Librarian	Mark Hurn	37537	Obs Library Office	hurnm@ast.cam.ac.uk
Public Outreach	Carolin Crawford Matt Bothwell	37510 39279	Hoyle Rm 60 Obs Rm 10	csc@ast.cam.ac.uk bothwell@ast.cam.ac.uk

If you are unsure how to proceed with the course selection, do not hesitate to get in touch with us.

Attachment	Size
PartIII Handbook 2019-20 updated.pdf	300.38 KB
partIII.MASt_.Course.Guide_.2019_20.pdf	1.09 MB
OPEN.DAY_Poster_20_21.pdf	2.03 MB