Astronomy: A Gateway to the Stars

 

Astronomy: A Gateway to the Stars can be studied as a stand-alone course and as an optional course for the Certificate of Higher Education in Field Ecology at Aberystwyth University

Key Facts

 

Language: English

Duration: 10 Weeks

Number of Credits: 10

Tutor: Terry Hand 

Learning Method: Online

Level: This module is at CQFW Level 4

Module Code: XS14010

Fee: £130.00 - Fee Waiver Scheme available

This course is available to book.

 

Overview

This course is aimed at anyone who has an interest in the stars and the night sky.
You will learn about various topics such as our Sun, different types of stars, our Solar System, constellations in the night sky and how to navigate using the nights' sky. We will also look at the famous Aurorae and understand what causes them and how you can spot them.
No previous skills or knowledge are necessary to follow this course. Application of number will be touched upon, however there will be no rigorous mathematics involved in the course, nor will it be part of any assessment.

Programme

  • Unit 1. An introduction to Astronomy, including nomenclature, distance scales, what astronomy covers and why it is important
  • Unit 2. What are stars? How do we categorise them, and what are they made of?
  • Unit 3. Constellations: Names of constellations, how to find them and how to navigate the night sky
  • Unit 4. An introduction to our Solar System and the inner planets
  • Unit 5. The outer planets of our Solar System and beyond
  • Unit 6. The Aurorae. What is it, what causes it and how to see it
  • Unit 7. Moons, asteroids and comets within our Solar System
  • Unit 8. The Milky Way galaxy, our place in the universe: A lecture about our home galaxy, the Milky way
  • Unit 9. Cosmology: An introduction to Cosmology
  • Unit 10. History of Astronomy & SETI: A final session covering the history of Astronomy, and the search for extra-terrestrial life

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this module students should be able to:

  1. Understand the fundamental definition of stars
  2. Understand the fundamental definition of our Solar System and what it contains
  3. Carry out independent stargazing and find objects of interest in the night sky
  4. Understand the field of Astronomy and what it attempts to discover

Assessments

  1. Online Test (25%)
  2. Written Report - 500 Words (25%)
  3. Written Assignment - 1000 Words (50%)

Reading Suggestions

Reading suggestions will be offered throughout the course. 

Entry Requirements

This course is for everyone. No previous experience is needed and there are no formal entry requirements.

What Do I Need?

As this is an online course, you would need the following:

  • Internet access.
  • Access to a laptop or computer with a web camera and microphone; the use of headphones might also be of benefit.
  • Use of the Chrome web-browser where possible.