SA: New space degree has Astronaut's backing
ADELAIDE, Aug 8 AAP - Adelaide University will offer a new degree in space sciencenext year and it has the backing of Australia's first astronaut Andy Thomas.
The new Bachelor of Science (Space Science and Astrophysics) will aim to produce graduateswell suited to careers in space and astrophysical research.
Opportunities are expected to include employment in hi-tech research and developmentindustries as well as universities and other research institutes and national space agencies.
Dr Thomas, an Adelaide University engineering graduate, welcomed news of the new degreeand the increasing interest in space science.
He said it was also personally gratifying to know that his own experiences as an astronauthad sparked so much interest in space locally.
"I sense great excitement in many of the young people when I talk about space flight,"
Dr Thomas told the university's Adelaidean magazine.
"They will carry that feeling all their lives and perhaps one day we will see thosefeelings crystallise into a tangible involvement, by Australia, in some of the excitingspace explorations that will be taking place in this century."
Adelaide University's associate professor Ian Reid said the new space degree wouldexplore the fundamental processes of the universe, from the atmosphere of earth and theother local planets to the most distant regions.
"The understanding of those processes underpins much of the world's research into astronomy,studies of the solar system and the practical use of space such as space travel and observation,"
he said.
"Work in this field is vitally important in improving our knowledge and understandingof the universe as a whole."
AAP tjd/mgH
KEYWORD: SPACE
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