Astronomy course.

mickmac76

Hi everyone
I'm always had an bit of an interest in the night sky and have decided to take up the hobby. Haven't gotten a telescope yet as i want to wait until I know a bit more about the subject before I buy one. I also have an interest in the theory behind astronomy like how stars and planets form so I'm looking to do a course in astronomy.
Looking at the web I came across online courses at the university of central lancashire. The courses look quite detailed and I was hoping somebody here had done some of them and could give me feedback on the course content. I was just wondering
How many hours a week each course takes
Whats the course assesment like. Are you required to write essays or is it more problem solving.
Are there any online forums for students and are they very active with plenty of discussion.
Is the course based on the theory of planet and star formation etc or does it include practical elements like chosing and using a telescope.
A weekend at the University's Alston Observatory is mentioned. Is this a practical work weekend and what was done.

If anyone can help with these questions I'd be gratefull.
Mick.

Sykk

Are you based in Ireland or the UK?

-Nigel

mickmac76

Hi Nigel
I'm based here in Ireland in kildare.
mick.

npc_100

Hi Mick,
did some of their level 1 and 1 of their level 2 courses a few years back. they are well organised and have a good setup (ona par with open university, at a lot lower price). You don't have to do an exam, but there are a number of assignments to be done, the content depends on the course. Work is from essays to maths questions (in particular the Energy, matter universe course is all maths, but does contain an introduction to the maths you need).
the courses are theory based, there is a level 2 course that had a mandatory weekend observing over in their campus, but I think that might be optional now.

In terms of time, it depends very much on what you want, you could put in a minimal amount of time (1-2 hrs a week) and do enough to complete the assignments, it is very much you get out what you put in.

Overall I'd recommend it, cheap enough to do the first course or two to get a feel for it. But it is not a course in how to use telescopes, or start in astronomy, best bet is to join a club for that.

You can actually do a course with Uni Manchester (jodrell Bank) in radio astronomy using one of their radio dishes over the internet. Interesting course and the credit can count towards one of the certs from University of Central Lancashire.

npc.

astroguy

That course with Jodrell Bank sounds pretty interesting. I'm doing a course in Physics with Astrophysics in Maynooth, was supposed to go and visit Jodrell Bank on a second year field trip last year but unfortunately I couldn't go on the day so I missed out :mad:.

Linguo

I can also highly recommend the OU course in astronomy, got another one for Christmas and they're great. Further on you get to travel to use the scopes in the Canaries which sounds very exciting so im working hard!

Sykk

A link was sent to me via PM about an online course. It looks pretty promising.

http://astronomy.swin.edu.au/sao/

There is a shortcourse for people who don't have any previous science experience. Depending on how well you do in that, you may apply for a full course: http://astronomy.swinburne.edu.au/sao/prospective/entryreq.xml

And off you go to get your masters. (Yes I inquired )

-Nigel

djhaxman

Hi Nigel.

Any idea how recognised that course is? In this country I mean? I'm going to a career guidance counsellor on Thursday so will mention it to her. Cheers for the info.

Gary.

Sykk

Hi Gary,

I've asked in an inquiry mail, just waiting for a reply. Will let ya know as soon as I get a response.

-Nigel

djhaxman

Sykk wrote: »

Hi Gary,

I've asked in an inquiry mail, just waiting for a reply. Will let ya know as soon as I get a response.

-Nigel

Cheers man, that'd be great

mickmac76

Hi everyone
thanks for all the replies. I've done a few maths courses with the open uni before so i know how good there materials are but they are pretty expensive. I wasn't aware of the courses offered by the university of manchester and swinburne so I'll have to look into them.
Mick.

npc_100

I have heard of the Swinburne course and it has been mentioned over on the irsh federation of clubs sites (do a search on http://www.irishastronomy.org/cms/forum). I had looked at this, but it is pricey for the full qualification. The OU is pricey as well. In fairness the Lancashire course are quite reasonably priced. the full list of courses is on http://www.astronomy.ac.uk/, it has courses where the credits can be transfered between John Moores Liverpool, Manchester and Lancashire.

Sykk

1 EUR = 1.55973 AUD. Don't forget about the difference in currency.

-Nigel

Sykk

Regarding that mail I sent for the SAO course:

Hi Nigel,

I would hope that it is a recognised course, it is the same level as a course run on campus, only it is offered online.
However to be sure you will need to asking whom ever it is in Europe that you want it to be recognised by if they will accept it as a requirement for their course

Regards
Louise

Hmmmm. I suppose emailing or ringing up DCU or something to check would probably be the best idea.

-Nigel

Amtmann

Just wondering if anyone ever followed up on the SAO course in particular.

For a Masters, you have to complete 12 units. Each unit costs 1600 Australian dollars. Very expensive!

Graduate Certificate of Science - 50 credit points - 4 units
Graduate Diploma of Science - 100 credit points - 8 units
Master of Science - 150 credit points - 12 units