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Certificate

Astronomy

Attendance

Campus

Start

Book an Undergraduate Open Day

Duration

1 Year

Start

September 2023

Delivery

Distance Learning

The astronomy course provides an introduction to astronomy, assuming no prior knowledge of the subject. you do not need access to a telescope to complete your astronomy studies.

On this course you will study both observational and theoretical aspects of astronomy, including the night sky, telescopes, stars, stellar lifetimes and energy sources, galaxies and cosmology. It contains some observational and practical exercises, but you do not need to have your own telescope or binoculars to complete this module.

This is the module we use to introduce students to the central ideas of astronomy at first year university level. It takes a quantitative scientific approach and you will need to use maths to solve problems from the outset.

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Module overview

Course delivery

This is a distance learning course which is taught entirely online with no face-to-face teaching.

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Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of our published course information. However, our programmes are subject to ongoing review and development. Changing circumstances may cause alteration to, or the cancellation of, courses. Changes may be necessary to comply with the requirements of accrediting bodies or revisions to subject benchmarks statements. As well as to keep courses updated and contemporary, or as a result of student feedback. We reserve the right to make variations if we consider such action to be necessary or in the best interests of students.

Course content

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, the Sun as a star. Binary star orbits. Nuclear energy generation in stars and a descriptive overview of stellar structure. Overview of stellar evolution and its late stages. An overview of the Milky Way Galaxy.

Galaxies and the Universe

The extragalactic distance scale and expansion of the Universe. Galaxy morphology and classifications, spiral structure, rotation curves and dark matter. An introduction to special relativity, cosmological models and the origin of the Universe.

Activities include: Naked eye observations, telescopes; coordinate systems and time; Analysis of images the moons of Jupiter and using them to deduce the mass of Jupiter; astronomical imaging; imaging and analysis of the moon’s surface structure; Computer Assisted Learning Packages; stellar classification; Plotting a Hertzsprung-Russell diagram for stars, Expansion rate of Crab Nebula.

Intended learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module a student will be able to:

describe or define concepts and astronomical terms from the syllabus
solve elementary problems in basic astronomy
demonstrate elementary skills in measurement, log keeping and data analysis
demonstrate elementary laboratory report writing skills
summarise simple scientific information and concepts and draw conclusions. (e.g. following a laboratory experiment or observation)

View the course facilities

Alston Observatory is our purpose-built teaching observatory, including a teaching room with planetarium, an optics lab and dark rooms. We offer an optional weekend course at Alston Observatory to students on the Introduction to Astronomy / Introduction to Cosmology courses including opportunities to talk to the staff formally about the course materials, and to informally discuss astronomy in general with our staff and other students.

Entry Requirements

To study the Certificate in Astronomy students are normally required to have GCSE grade C in Mathematics and English or equivalent high school qualification.

Fees and funding

2022/23

Part-time£975 per 20 credits

Distance Part-time£975 per 20 credits

2023/24

Distance Part-time£975 per 20 credits

International

Distance Part-time£975 per 20 credits

Scholarships and bursaries

We have a wide range of bursaries, scholarships and funds available to help support you whilst studying with us.

Select your country to see eligibility information and how to apply by selecting more info on the cards below.

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Outcomes, Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods

Knowledge and Understanding

Describe and explain physical laws and concepts as applied to the Universe.
Describe and explain the basic structures of the Universe and the processes that take place within it.
Explain and implement a selection of techniques of observational astronomy.

This module aims to:

Provide an introduction to astronomy, suitable for people with little prior knowledge of the subject and with a limited background in physics and maths.
Provide an understanding of the physical laws as applied to the Universe.
Provide an introduction to aspects of observational astronomy.
Develop elementary problem solving skills.
Provide the opportunity to develop skills and techniques used in astronomy, which have wider applications (these include data analysis, preparation of scientific reports)
Enhance the student’s key skills (communication, numerical skills, IT, time-management).

Our astronomy certificates are an ideal place to begin your studies and astronomy education as they require no prior knowledge of the subject. Each is a free-standing Certificate at HE Level 4 (Year 1 undergraduate level) allowing you to develop your fascination with your chosen subject.

Students who have completed some modules as free-standing Certificates may like to take their astronomy studies further. We offers a range of awards from the Certificate of Higher Education in Astronomy to a full 18-module BSc (Hons) in Astronomy.

How to Apply

Apply for this course via our Online Application System.

First-time users will need to create an account. This will allow you to create, edit and submit an online application.

Complete each section of the application as directed by the portal.
Remember to upload scans of your qualifications.
You do not need to supply an academic reference if you are applying for a Certificate, but you must if you apply for the CertHE, DipHE or BSc Astronomy.
If you wish to study for two separate Certificates, you'll need to submit two separate applications. However, most of the information will be transferred automatically from your first application.

Even if you plan to move on later to advanced study, we ask you to start with Certificates initially. It will be possible for you to transfer onto one of the advanced awards at a later stage and modules studied as Certificates will be counted towards the advanced award.

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This course is based in the School of Natural Sciences located in the Faculty of Science and Technology

For information on possible changes to course information, see our essential and important course information

You can find regulations and policies relating to student life at the University of Central Lancashire on our student contract page

Astronomy

Module overview

Course delivery

Course content

View the course facilities

Entry Requirements

Fees and funding

Course Specific Optional Costs

Course Specific Optional Costs

Scholarships and bursaries

Learning and assessment

Progression pathways

Enquiries and applications