Introduction

The University Advanced Certificate in Astrophysics of Galaxies is a distance-learning course at second year undergraduate level, designed for people who already have a grounding in astronomy, such as through previous study of the University Certificate in Astronomy. The course extends the concepts introduced in the University Certificate in Astronomy and focuses on all aspects of galaxies.

The course provides a knowledge base to enable students to develop a broad understanding of our galaxy – The Milky Way and of the many other types of galaxies that form the building blocks of our universe. You will learn about overall structure of the Galaxy in which we live and gain an appreciation of many of the processes that are responsible for shaping their content and guiding their evolution over time. Building on your knowledge of our Galaxy, you will learn about Galaxies Beyond the Milky Way and discover some of the characteristics of the many other galaxies including active galaxies. The course explains how observational data may be used to deduce the physical properties of different galaxies and provides a scientific account of our current understanding of galaxy evolution.

Duration

This course runs from October to May following the normal academic year for campus-based students.

The course lasts two years as detailed under Course Content.

Study Mode

Part-time by distance learning only

Learning materials are available online via the Course Website, which also provides a noticeboard and web-based discussion groups where students can interact with one another and with staff. Tutorial support is available by email, web-based discussion or telephone. The university library's Distance Learning Service is available to students enrolled on this course.

A PC with Internet access is essential for this course. Students are responsible for printing out their own paper copies of the learning materials if required..

This course consists of two standard University modules (200 hours of study per module) and students should expect to devote 4 - 5 hours per week per module averaged over the duration of the course.

Module AA2052 requires use of the World Wide Web to download and analyse astronomical data as part of the assessed work. Therefore it is essential to have (or have access to) a PC with internet access for this course.

Admissions Criteria

The course is designed to allow non-specialists access to astronomical concepts. Candidates who show that they have a strong interest in the subject and who will benefit in terms of their personal development and enjoyment will be given preference. Whilst studying on one of the Advanced Certificates you are expected to achieve a quantitative understanding of  the concepts. This will involve increased use of equations compared with the University Certificate in Astronomy.  Applicants for the University Advanced Certificates are normally expected to have GCSE grade C in both Mathematics and Physics and to have covered the material in the University Certificate in Astronomy. A2 or A-level study of mathematics or science is advantageous but not compulsory. Alternatively, applicants with OU or other qualifications should discuss the details of their education with the Course Leader.

Course Content

The University Advanced Certificate in Astrophysics of Galaxies consists of two standard modules of 20 national credits at Level 2:

The Milky Way

The module The Milky Way is normally studied during the first year of the course. The learning materials consist of Course Notes and a Workbook. Some of the topics that you will cover are: evolution of our Galaxy, the solar neighbourhood, giant molecular clouds, star clusters, interstellar dust, the radio galaxy, dark matter and the centre of the Galaxy.

Galaxies beyond the Milky

The module Galaxies beyond the Milky Way is studied in the second year of the course and builds on the knowledge introduced in the first module. It includes the following topics: the local universe, the local group of galaxies, clustering of galaxies, evolution and challenges for the future.

The recommended textbook for the course is Galaxies in the Universe, 2nd edition by Linda S. Sparke, John S. Gallagher III, 2007, Cambridge University Press, ISBN-10 0521671868 ISBN-13 987-0521671866 (£35 in paperback).

Assessment

Assessments for the University Advanced Certificate in Astrophysics of Galaxies are submitted according to a Course Schedule. To pass the course as a whole requires passes in each of the two modules which are assessed as follows:

• AA2051 - four assessments typically to include three question sheets and one (1500-2000 word) scientific essay.

• AA2052 - three assessments that will normally be a question sheet, article summary and web-based report using galaxy databases.

• There is no examination.

To pass a module, it is not necessary to pass each item of coursework individually provided that the overall module mark is 40% or more and certain  criteria specified in the appropriate module description are met. 

Further Courses

The Department offers Level 1 University Certificate courses in related topics which are structured in a similar way. These courses can be studied separately or combined to obtain a Certificate of Higher Education in Astronomy. Please see the relevant factsheets for these courses.

Students who successfully complete the University Certificate in Astronomy  can progress to the University Advanced Certificates (at Level 2). See separate factsheet for details of the Diploma of Higher Education in Astronomy and BSc (Hons) in Astronomy.

In addition, there is a progression route from the University Certificate in Astronomy to other courses leading to degree programmes in astronomy and astrophysics on-campus at the University of Central Lancashire. For details of entrance requirements to degree programmes, please contact the Programme Administrator at the address below.

International Students

International Students are welcome to apply but should note that the course is only available in the English language.

Fees

The tuition fee for each of the modules of a University Advanced Certificate is payable in the academic year in which the student registers for that module.

The tuition fee for a standard module of 20 national credits is set each year. For guidance, in the year 2008/2009 the fees per standard module for private individuals are:-

Living in the UK	£210
EU excluding the UK	£250
Outside the EU or UK	£350
	(approximately US$600 depending on the exchange rate)

Application Procedure and Further Information

For further information and on-line application form visit the www.StudyAstronomy.com website.

Alternatively,  contact the Programme Administrator at the following address:

The Programme Administrator
Study Astronomy
School of Computing, Engineering and Physical Sciences
University of Central Lancashire
Preston PR1 2HE
UK

Tel:  +44 (0) 1772 893541 (direct line)
Fax: +44 (0) 1772 892996
Email: ucastro@uclan.ac.uk

Website: www.StudyAstronomy.com 

(This information is correct at the time of going to press but may be subject to change.)

Last updated: 05 February 2008 bjmh

 

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