Module Title:     An Introduction to Astronomy

Module Code:    AA1051                Module Level:    1

Module Tutor:    Ian Butchart/Gordon Bromage/Barbara Hassall

Module Size:    Standard             Contact (hours per week): 0

Pre-requisites:    None                                        over:                    1 year

Co-requisites:    None                                        Lecture:         none

                                                                            Laboratory:        optional
                                                                            weekend at Alston Observatory

                                                                            Tutorial:    phone/electronic

(This is a core module for the Cert HE in Astronomy.)

Module Aims and Objectives:

This module is designed for non-specialists, including teachers, members of astronomical societies and those seeking study for their own personal development. It provides an informed view of concepts in astronomy and is suitable for students who have a strong desire to learn about the subject at first year university level. No prior knowledge of astronomy is necessary and students may study this unit with a limited background in physics and mathematics. However, students are normally expected to have GCSE mathematics or equivalent and experience of GCSE physics is advantageous.

This module presents a broad introduction to the subject of astronomy including practical techniques and observations. The activities aim to illustrate and elucidate subject material, as well as giving students the opportunity to gain experience in the acquisition and handling of scientific data. It is not necessary to have access to a telescope or binoculars to complete this course.

Syllabus and Content:

The course covers a substantial number of topics from:

Introduction

Astronomy as an observational science, fundamental naked-eye observations, time, seasons, coordinates, optical telescopes, the electromagnetic spectrum, modern observing platforms.

Stars

The measurement of stars. The observational Hertzsprung-Russell diagram and the basic properties of stars. Nuclear energy generation in stars and a descriptive overview of stellar evolution. Late stages of stellar evolution, the abundances of the chemical elements and the interstellar medium. An overview of the Milky Way Galaxy.

The Solar System

Overview of the solar system, the Sun as a star, solar-planetary interactions. The dynamics of the solar system. Bulk properties of the planets, classifications, structure.

Galaxies and the Universe

The extragalactic distance scale and expansion of the Universe. Galaxy types, classifications, their large scale distributions and evolution. Active galaxies. An introduction to cosmological models and the origin of the Universe.

Laboratory Work

Laboratories are a combination of indoor activities and outdoor observing. The exact mix will depend on the observing seasons.

Activities include: Use of telescopes; coordinate systems and time; Observing the moons of Jupiter and using them to deduce the mass of Jupiter; photography; Photography and analysis of the moon’s surface structure; Schmidt Plate Investigation; Computer Assisted Learning Packages; stellar classification; Plotting a Hertzsprung-Russell diagram for stars.

Teaching and Learning Strategy:

Students will learn via self-study, supported by detailed distance learning material supplied by the Department according to a Course Schedule. Each student will receive a distance learning package including: Astronomy Course Notes and Astronomy Workbook. The Course Notes, which are closely linked to a course textbook, will be based around how we use observations, coupled to basic physical principles, to understand the phenomena of the Universe.  The Workbook contains the assessed coursework, self-test exercises, guidance on practical observations and scientific report writing.

Home-based activities included indoor exercises and outdoor observation that requires no specialist equipment. An optional weekend at Alston Observatory includes hands-on work with telescopes and the use of astronomical resources at Alston Observatory. Priority is given to weekend participants without home access to a telescope or photographic equipment.

Tutorial support will be provided by e-mail, on-line discussion groups and telephone.

Learning outcomes:

Students will be able to demonstrate:

·      a broad awareness of the subject (which could form a basis for further studies in astronomy or astrophysics if the student wished)

·      elementary laboratory report writing skills

·      elementary skills in observation, measurement, log keeping and data analysis

·      elementary problem solving skills

·      the ability to summarise scientific information and concepts.

Assessment Strategy:

Assessment will be by coursework only and there is no examination.

There are four equally weighted items of coursework normally consisting of

It is not necessary to pass each item of coursework individually provided that at least one question sheet and one Workbook Activity has been attempted and the overall module mark is 40% or more.

Bibliography and Learning Support Material:

Astronomy Workbook and Web Site (http://www.uclan.ac.uk/pasm-dlearning).

Course Notes for Distance Learning.

Currently the notes are based on Universe by W.J. Kaufmann and hence this text is essential for distance learning.

W. J. Kaufmann, 1998 Universe 5th edition with CD Rom, W. H. Freeman, ISBN 07167 38236, £28.95.

Norton, A.R., Norton’s Star Atlas: And Reference Handbook, ISBN 0582356555 (paperback), Pitman Pub (1998)

Last updated: 13 September 2000