Introduction

The University Advanced Certificate in Astronomy 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 University Advanced Certificate in Astronomy concentrates on  observational techniques and applications in astronomy. It includes the principles and use of modern astronomical detectors, such as CCDs, and the analysis of the observational data.  The University Advanced Certificate in Astronomy complements the University Certificate in Astronomy in a study of the solar system. 

You do not need to have your own telescope to complete the  University Advanced Certificate in Astronomy. The practical work is undertaken during the  weekend course at our Alston Observatory. This is a compulsory component of the course and students are normally expected to attend the weekend. A PC with Internet access is essential for this course.

Duration

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

Although it is possible to complete both modules required for the award within one academic year, most students are recommended to undertake one module per year and spread their studies over 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.

Simulated experiments and data analysis supporting practical work carried out during the weekend course will require use of a PC with Office applications and specialised astronomical software that is available free on the Internet or will be supplied on the  course website. The data analysis forms a compulsory component of the assessment for AA2053 so it is essential to have use of a PC with Internet access for this course.

In addition tutorial assistance is available during the compulsory residential weekend at the University’s Alston Observatory.

Admissions Criteria

The course is designed to allow non-specialists access to astronomical concepts and applications. 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 (or equivalent high school qualification) and to have covered the material in the University Certificate in Astronomy. AS, A2 or A-level study of mathematics or science is advantageous but not compulsory. Alternatively, applicants with OU or other qualifications or life experience should discuss the details of their education with the Course Leader.

Course Content

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

Ultraviolet, optical and infrared Astronomy

This module is normally studied by students during the first year of the course. It consists of two interleaved components: 

• 1) the subject content studied via the distance learning Course Notes covering the following topics:

  • Part One - Techniques: Astronomical Observations, The Earth’s Atmosphere, Telescopes, Photometry

  • Part Two - Detectors: Introduction, Photoemissive Detectors, Junction Diodes, CCDs.

• 2) the practical aspects are pursued during the weekend course at Alston Observatory. Photometry and CCD imaging.

The learning materials consist of the Course Notes, Experimental Handbook for the Weekend Course distributed to weekend participants and Question Sheets. These contain a mixture of case studies and descriptive and numerical questions. They form part of the assessment and are intended to test students’ understanding of the Course Notes.

Compulsory Weekend Course at Alston Observatory

Students studying the Ultraviolet, optical and infrared Astronomy  module would normally be expected to attend the weekend course in the first half of the academic year. The weekend course takes place at our Alston Observatory near Preston and includes tutorial sessions based on the course learning materials, indoor practical work and outdoor observing sessions (weather permitting).

The practical work enables students to acquire skills in the use of astronomical detectors (including photometers and CCDs) and to gain experience in the acquisition and handling of astronomical data. Further data analysis and simulated experiments are carried out using software available on the course website. The write-up of these investigations is assessed in the form of experimental reports and builds upon the report-writing skills developed during study of the University Certificate in Astronomy. The cost of this weekend (about £85) is additional to the Course Fee.

Exploring the Solar System

This module is normally studied in the second year of the course, by means of directed reading following a Study Guide.  Sources include the recommended textbooks Universe 8th edition with CD ROM by R.A. Freedman and W.J. Kaufmann III, W H Freeman; ISBN-13: 978-07167 9564-3  ISBN: 07167-9564-7 (July 2007; Publishers’ list price £39.99) and The New Solar System 4th edition by Beatty, Petersen and Chaikin, 1999, CUP, ISBN 05216 45875 £30.00 and other sources such as NASA and ESA Websites. The module presents an up-to-date view of the Solar System, supported by results from recent space research. It starts with an overview of space exploration, including the motivation and technology required for past, present and future missions. Then the focus moves to various solid and gaseous bodies in the Solar System. Comparisons are made between planets to highlight their similarities and differences, with emphasis laid  upon how physical processes, such as impact cratering and volcanism, are affected by different planetary environments. Recent results from current space missions are introduced whenever possible. 

Assessment

Assessments for the University Advanced Certificate in Astronomy 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:

• AA2053 - four assessments - typically two experimental reports (based on practical work during the Weekend Course and simulated experiments carried out via the Internet) and two question sheets based on the Course Notes. 

• AA2054 - one researched essay, one question sheet and the preparation of a PowerPoint presentation.

• 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.

Note that students should be prepared to travel to Preston for the compulsory weekend course.

Fees

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)

The  fee payable in any academic year depends on the number of modules a student registers to study in that year. 

There is no tuition fee for the compulsory weekend at the Observatory, but there is a charge of about £85 to cover the cost of weekend learning materials, meals and local transport.

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: 10 October 2007 ib

 

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