Aims of the course
- To provide a full structure and understanding to your learning in this subject, through a framework that gives a clear and comprehensive understanding of the relative sizes of objects and their relationship to one another.
- A review of the structures found in the universe, from planets, stars and galaxies, to the cosmic web, resulting in an understanding of our place, relationship to, and a sense of scale to the cosmos we inhabit.
- A provide a framework, in this present golden era of astronomy, within which you may better understand the science of astronomy encountered on multimedia, and to place into context the importance of new discoveries.
- To help you take full advantage of on-line resources, such as YouTube astronomy channels, audio-books and astronomy books aimed at the general public.
- To encourage you to attend astronomical observing opportunities, and consider undertaking additional astronomy courses elsewhere.
Course content overview
In this introductory course, in order to give full justice to the cosmic wonders that surround you, we shall view the components of our island universe, the Milky Way, starting outwards from our favourite star, passing the asteroids and planets of our small corner of the Universe, and beyond into the wider stellar neighbourhood. Taking in cosmic wonders of our Galaxy along the way, from the gentle birth of stars to their cataclysmic demise, the dizzying rotations of super-dense pulsars, to the most violent of all events as we witness the birth scream of black holes.
Schedule (this course is completed entirely online)
Orientation Week: 7-13 September 2020
Teaching Weeks: 14 September-18 October 2020
Feedback Week: 19-25 October 2020
Each week of an online course is roughly equivalent to 2-3 hours of classroom time. On top of this, participants should expect to spend roughly 2-3 hours reading material, etc., although this will vary from person to person.
While they have a specific start and end date and will follow a weekly schedule (for example, week 1 will cover topic A, week 2 will cover topic B), our tutor-led online courses are designed to be flexible and as such would normally not require participants to be online for a specific day of the week or time of the day (although some tutors may try to schedule times where participants can be online together for web seminars, which will be recorded so that those who are unable to be online at certain times are able to access material).
What our students say
"For anyone relatively new to astronomy, this is a great introduction and a solid basis for further study or continued interest."
"A great thank you for making this vast and mind-boggling subject accessible to non-astrophysicists like myself."
"I cannot thank you enough for this course. I have been like a child in a candy shop, staring amazed at the wonders you have revealed. You have put forward complex information with great clarity and made it exciting: I could not wait for the next piece of information. I have to say I feel somewhat bereft that the course is now at an end. Next week just won't be the same!"
"It’s truly been a splendid course, which was well presented with just the right amount of content in each module, that was enriching and easy to understand. The course was definitely up to and beyond expectations."
"It exceeded my expectations. Hardip was a first rate, inspiring and supportive tutor."
"The information is presented in an easy-to-understand way, for both novices and more advanced, ... content rich and right to the point."
"It’s one of the best online courses I’ve done, and I’ve done quite a few."
Virtual Learning Environment
Unless otherwise stated, all course material will be posted on the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) so that they can be accessed at any time throughout the duration of the course and interaction with your tutor and fellow participants will take place through a variety of different ways which will allow for both synchronous and asynchronous learning (discussion boards etc).
Certificate of participation
A Certificate of Participation will be awarded to participants who contribute constructively to weekly discussions and exercises/assignments for the duration of the course.
