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We offer a range of university level, part-time courses in astronomy and related subjects. The majority of our Distance Learning Courses can be studied from your home without any requirement to attend classes at the university or the need to own specialist equipment. We have portfolios of courses at Level 1 and at Level 2.
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All our Level 1 modules are 20 national credits at first year university level. They can be studied on their own as a University Certificate or as part of the Certificate of Higher Education in Astronomy. Each course is described in a Factsheet and a syllabus is available in the module description. Our introductory modules run each year. However, if you are considering studying for the Cert HE in Astronomy you are advised to see the future module availability and module schedules. Six modules are equivalent to a full-time student workload. Students who successfully complete the appropriate level 1 modules can progress to study at Level 2 for a Diploma of Higher Education or University Advanced Certificate. If you enjoyed Astronomy and Cosmology consider Investigations in Astronomy |
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| Factsheets | Modules at Level 1 |
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Introduction to Astronomy |
Enrol
now to study this module for the award of a
This is a recommended entry point for new students
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...provides
an introduction to modern astronomy. You will study both observational
and theoretical aspects. including the night sky, telescopes, stars, stellar
lifetimes and energy sources, galaxies and cosmology.
You do not need to have your own telescope or
binoculars to complete this module.
Students are invited to an optional weekend course at the
University's Alston Observatory. [factsheet] [syllabus] {sample notes] [textbook] [MathsPack] |
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Introduction to Cosmology |
Enrol
now
to study this module for the award of a
This is a recommended entry point for new students
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| ..provides the non-specialist with an informed view of concepts in cosmology, without recourse to complex mathematics. This module will help to explain how the universe began and subsequently developed to its present form. You will learn about the beginning of the universe including the creation of extremely small elementary particles and the processes that led to the formation of the very large structures seen today. [factsheet] [syllabus] [sample notes] [textbook] [MathsPack] | ||
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Great Astronomers in History |
Study this module for the award of a
A recommended entry point for new students |
| ..presents
an analysis of key astronomers and their discoveries in the period from
ancient Greece until 1900. Within this framework the module aims to promote
understanding both of the nature of historical study, and the nature and
dynamics of scientific discovery in its cultural context. [factsheet] [syllabus] [sample notes] [textbook] |
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IT for Astronomy |
Study this module for the award of a
Previous study of astronomy or cosmology is required. |
| ...provides the layperson with an introduction to the application of IT in astronomy. After a brief introduction to the personal computer, windows operating systems and office application, the module discusses astronomical application software available on the internet. Self-study exercises are biased towards applications appropriate for astronomy and cosmology. [factsheet] [syllabus] | ||
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Energy, Matter and the Universe - New as Certificate |
Enrol
now to study this module for the award of a
Next runs: October 2005 |
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..provides students with a quantitative understanding of the physical and
mathematical concepts underlying astrophysical processes and a foundation for
Level 2 study in astronomy. It covers fundamental physical forces, equations
of motion, elementary particles and the electromagnetic nature of light. Mathematics: such as vectors, trigonometry and
calculus are introduced as the topics require. [factsheet] [syllabus] [textbook] |
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Investigations in Astronomy |
Enrol
now to study this module as part of the award of Next runs: October 2005
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...provides an opportunity for a more detailed investigation into the topics
of the core modules. Students will normally cover three topics which might
be: the astronomical distance ladder, Exploration of the Cosmic Microwave
background, the development of large ground-based telescopes, active
galaxies, galactic structure and space technology. [factsheet] [syllabus] [sample notes] Module makes use of web resources, but no specific textbook |
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| Sun, Earth and Climate |
Enrol
now to study this module for the award of a
This is can be used as entry point for new students |
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..provides an introduction to the physics of the
Sun and the Earth, including observable solar and solar-terrestrial
phenomena, but focusing on the ways in which our Sun (a variable star) can
affect the Earth's environment in space and how it may influence our
climate. The module will involve a mixture of theoretical and observational
approaches and includes data-based and observational exercises. [factsheet] [ syllabus ] [textbook] |
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Certificate of Higher Education in Astronomy |
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A
Certificate of Higher Education is a six module course (6 x 20 national
credits), equivalent to the full-time student workload in the first year of
a university degree programme. All our University Certificates (or the
equivalent modules from our partners by the accreditation of prior learning)
may be used to contribute towards the Cert HE in Astronomy. [factsheet] |
Enrol
now
to study a module towards the
Check availability of modules available this October and in future years. |
Level 2 Portfolio | summary (distance learning) | astronomy (full time on-campus courses)
