Online Astronomy Degree Course draft

Program Overview

This part-time online astronomy program provides a comprehensive education in the field, from introductory concepts to honours-level advanced topics. Students will develop scientific skills through experimental, observational, and research work while studying various aspects of astronomy, including cosmology and astrobiology. The program offers flexibility, allowing for gradual module completion over several years and various award levels, from a Certificate of Higher Education to a BSc (Hons) degree.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This online astronomy course offers an opportunity to delve into astronomy in your own time. You'll develop your understanding right from the start, all the way up to honours level. Along the way, you’ll develop the full range of scientific skills through experimental and observational work. You'll also learn library research skills and report writing. All your learning materials are online and you'll complete assessments at home. You will also complete group projects with your fellow distance learners. The course offers a flexible approach, where you can build up modules over the years if you choose. You’ll have the chance to achieve a different qualification with each level you reach. You’ll need to complete 18 modules including a dissertation project to achieve a BSc (Hons). You can finish earlier with other awards, like a Certificate of Higher Education.

Outline:

• Duration: 6 years (part-time)
• Delivery: Online learning
• Modules:
• Level 4 (Compulsory):
• Introduction to Astronomy (AA1051):
Introduces key concepts, observational and practical techniques, report writing skills, and theoretical aspects.
• Physics for Astronomy (AA1054): Provides a quantitative understanding of physical concepts underlying astrophysical processes.
• Mathematics for Astronomy (AA1062): Provides a quantitative understanding of mathematical concepts, develops skills in different areas of mathematics, and introduces statistical methods relevant to astronomy.
• Level 4 (Optional):
• Introduction to Cosmology (AA1053):
Covers topics related to the Universe, Big Bang, and Cosmology, including observational evidence, the galaxy, forces, and matter.
• IT for Astronomy (AA1055): Focuses on software and communications tools required for studying Astronomy.
• Investigations in Astronomy (AA1057): Develops research skills, resource location, and synthesis of subject material.
• Sun, Earth and Climate (AA1058): Introduces the Sun-Earth system and Earth's climate, covering physical laws and concepts.
• Introduction to Astrobiology (AA1059): Introduces astrobiology, including basic chemistry and biology.
• Level 5 (Optional):
• Galaxies Beyond the Milky Way (AA2052): Introduces galaxies beyond the Milky Way based on multi-waveband observations and basic principles.
• Solar Astrophysics (AA2055): Explores solar astrophysics.
• Solar-Stellar Connection (AA2056): Links stellar phenomena and topics in stellar astrophysics to solar astrophysics using the Sun as a case study.
• Level 6 (Compulsory):
• Astronomy Dissertation (AA3050):
Encourages independent study and the development of a substantial report on an astronomical topic or theme.
• Cosmology and Relativity (AA3053): Builds on knowledge of Cosmology by introducing a mathematical approach and covering the underlying physics and observational consequences within Cosmology and Relativity.
• Extreme States of Matter (AA3056): Covers physical concepts describing the behavior of matter in extreme conditions, using astrophysical examples.
• Collaborative Investigation (AA3057): Develops group work skills, report writing, and IT-based presentation skills.
• Level 6 (Optional):
• Origins (AA3051):
Presents scientific highlights of current astronomical investigation, focusing on fundamental research areas, scientific methods, and technological advances.
• Astronomical Computing (AA3055): Introduces the fundamentals of computer programming as used by modern astronomers, developing the ability to analyze astrophysical problems using computational tools.

Assessment:

• Assessments are completed from home.
• Coursework includes question sheets, essays, and reports on practical work, which includes naked-eye observations, data analysis, and experiments suitable for the home.
• Most modules have no attendance requirement, but an optional observatory weekend is offered.

Teaching:

• All learning materials are delivered through an e-learning facility.
• Tutorial support is provided via online forums, virtual classrooms, email, or phone.
• Each module has a dedicated tutor, with the course leader and other tutors providing support and feedback.

Careers:

• The BSc (Hons) Astronomy provides scientific skills and advanced understanding that can enhance career prospects and open new possibilities, such as postgraduate study.
• Potential career paths include:
• Education
• Observatories
• Science communication
• Public outreach

Other:

• The course concentrates on astronomical principles, avoiding complicated mathematics where possible.
• Learn from expert staff with research interests in solar and stellar astrophysics, and galactic and extragalactic astronomy.
• The BSc (Hons) in Astronomy is recognized by the Institute of Physics (IOP), and all graduates are eligible for membership of the institute.
Students on the course are eligible for IOP digital student membership.
• The course is based in the School of Engineering and Computing.
• The University of Central Lancashire offers a wide range of bursaries, scholarships, and funds to help support students.
• The course is designed for part-time study, with modules made for distance (online) learning.
• Most students start with a single module taken over a year, building up towards the degree in gradual steps.
• With various levels of award, you don’t have to commit to the full degree.
This allows you to study for as long as you want.
• All the modules on the course combine to form the BSc (Hons) degree.
Alternatively, the Level 4 modules (equivalent to Year 1 of a full-time degree) offers a Certificate of Higher Education. The Level 6 modules (equivalent to Year 3 of a full-time degree) are only available on the BSc (Hons) degree programme. Not all modules run every year.
• Since the program launched, many students have become full graduates.
• One graduate achieved a master’s degree before working on a PhD in astronomy in South Africa.

2024/25 UK Distance Part-time £1,050 per 20 credits International Distance Part-time £1,050 per 20 credits