You will learn about observation techniques and space exploration, as well as examining recent developments and research. By the end of the course you will know your way around the world of black holes, white dwarfs, neutron stars and extrasolar planets – everything that makes up the rapidly expanding discipline of Astronomy.
What will I be studying?
The course is taught through three termly units, each with its own topic. The evening sessions take place on Mondays 7.15pm - 9.15pm. There are also some all day Saturday practical sessions throughout the course.
Unit 1: Stars and the cosmic cycle
In this first unit, we study our nearest star, the Sun and learn about the processes that fuel it. We find that stars of a wide range of masses exist and we learn how they evolve and end their lives, turning into exotic objects such as white dwarfs, neutron stars or black holes. We discover the importance of clusters in which the stars all have the same age. Concentrating on optical observations we will learn about the techniques of measuring some basic quantities such as mass, composition, distance, velocity and luminosity.
Unit 2: Galaxies and quasars
In the second unit, we move on to discuss objects on a larger scale. We investigate the Milky Way and its position in the Universe. By studying the most distant objects, we can see the Universe at an earlier time and so study galaxy evolution. We will discuss both observational and theoretical aspects of galaxy formation and consider the benefits of studying radiation in different wavebands. The concepts of the expanding Universe, dark matter and dark energy will be introduced.
Unit 3: Planets and planetary systems
Starting with a description of the planets and other Solar System bodies, we will consider theories about the nature, origin and evolution of planets. A recent study concluded that stars are orbited by a planet as a general rule, rather than an exception, and this is a rapidly changing field in which new data is becoming available all the time. We will end the course by exploring one of the most fundamental of questions: are we alone?
What can I go on to do?
Credit awarded by the Institute may also be transferred into the degree programmes of other higher education providers. However the volume of credit and the curriculum which can be transferred into degree programmes varies from institution to institution and is always at the discretion of the receiving institution.
