Astronomy Courses & Education for first-timers.University Certificates
Single-module certificates for broader study and skills.Advanced Study
Routes to a full BSc(Hons) Degree in Astronomy.
Advanced Certificate in Sun and Stars Course - VSASSS502
Following on from AA1051 (Introduction to Astronomy Course) (or equivalent) or AA1058 (Sun Earth and Climate Course), these two modules explore the Sun and then the stars in much greater depth. Study of A-level Maths is advantageous as the course takes a quantitative approach, but without the use of highly complex maths. You study AA2055 Solar Astrophysics and then AA2056 Solar-Stellar Connection, and they take you to second year astronomy degree standard.
Modules on this Sun and Stars Course:
Solar Astrophysics - AA2055
Solar Astrophsyics provides a broad introduction to the subject, involving a mixture of theoretical and observational approaches to demonstrate and explain various solar phenomena. You will learn about the overall structure of the sun, including the use of solar neutrinos and helioseismology to probe its interior, the importance of the magnetic field in determining its surface features and the problem of coronal heating.
You will also develop astronomy subject skills such as data analysis, use of imaging techniques and the preparation of scientific reports.
Tutor: Robert Walsh & Silvia Dalla
Level: 2 Credits: 20
Solar-Stellar Connection - AA2056
You will build upon the stellar astronomy and astrophysics covered in AA1051 or equivalent and your level-2 study of the Sun (AA2055). You will study the links between solar astrophysics and a range of stellar phenomena and topics in stellar astrophysics. You will explore in detail the evolution of sun-like stars from their formation to their endpoints as white dwarfs.
The emphasis throughout this module is on taking the detailed case study of the Sun and setting it in the wider context of solar-like and other stars, showing their similarities and differences.
Tutor: Gordon Bromage & Don Kurtz
Level: 2 Credits: 20