Introduction

Students should note that this Certificate is currently being revised. AA2053 will be updated, and we are looking at options to revise AA2054 to make it more relevant to our students. There will no longer be a compulsory weekend.

The University Advanced Certificate in Astronomy is a distance learning course at second year undergraduate level, designed for people who already have a grounding in astronomy, such as through previous study of the University Certificate in Astronomy. The University Advanced Certificate in Astronomy concentrates on  observational techniques and applications in astronomy. It includes the principles and use of modern astronomical detectors, such as CCDs, and the analysis of the observational data.  The University Advanced Certificate in Astronomy complements the University Certificate in Astronomy in a study of the solar system. 

You do not need to have your own telescope to complete the  University Advanced Certificate in Astronomy. The practical work is undertaken using online facilities and research resources. A PC with Internet access is essential for this course.

Duration

This course runs from October to May following the normal academic year for campus-based students.

Although it is possible to complete both modules required for the award within one academic year, most students are recommended to undertake one module per year and spread their studies over two years as detailed under Course Content.

Study Mode

Part-time by distance learning only

Learning materials are available online via the Course Website, which also provides a noticeboard and web-based discussion groups where students can interact with one another and with staff. Tutorial support is available by email, web-based discussion or telephone. The university library's Distance Learning Service is available to students enrolled on this course.

A PC with Internet access is essential for this course. Students are responsible for printing out their own paper copies of the learning materials if required..

This course consists of two standard University modules (200 hours of study per module) and students should expect to devote 4 - 5 hours per week per module averaged over the duration of the course.

Simulated experiments, data analysis and practical work will be carried out using online facilities and research resource, which will require use of a PC with Office applications and specialised astronomical software that is available free on the Internet or will be supplied on the  course website. The data analysis forms a compulsory component of the assessment for AA2053 so it is essential to have use of a PC with Internet access for this course.

Admissions Criteria

The course is designed to allow non-specialists access to astronomical concepts and applications. Candidates who show that they have a strong interest in the subject and who will benefit in terms of their personal development and enjoyment will be given preference. Whilst studying on one of the Advanced Certificates you are expected to achieve a quantitative understanding of  the concepts. This will involve increased use of equations compared with the University Certificate in Astronomy.  Applicants for the University Advanced Certificates are normally expected to have GCSE grade C in both Mathematics and Physics (or equivalent high school qualification) and to have covered the material in the University Certificate in Astronomy. AS, A2 or A-level study of mathematics or science is advantageous but not compulsory. Alternatively, applicants with OU or other qualifications or life experience should discuss the details of their education with the Course Leader.

Course Content

The University Advanced Certificate in Astronomy consists of two single standard modules of 20 national credits at Level 2:

Ultraviolet, optical and infrared Astronomy

This module is normally studied by students during the first year of the course. It consists of two interleaved components: 

1) the subject content studied via the distance learning Course Notes covering the following topics:

• Techniques: Astronomical Observations, The Earth’s Atmosphere, Telescopes, Photometry
• Detectors: Introduction, Photoemissive Detectors, Junction Diodes, CCDs.

The learning materials consist of the Course Notes, Experimental Handbook and Question Sheets. These contain a mixture of case studies and descriptive and numerical questions. They form part of the assessment and are intended to test students’ understanding of the Course Notes.

2) the practical aspects are pursued using online facilities and research resources.

Exploring the Solar System

We are reviewing this module with the intention of revising the content completely to make it more relevant to our students.

This module is normally studied in the second year of the course, by means of directed reading following a Study Guide.  Sources include the recommended textbooks Universe 8th edition with CD ROM by R.A. Freedman and W.J. Kaufmann III, W H Freeman; ISBN-13: 978-07167 9564-3  ISBN: 07167-9564-7 (July 2007; Publishers’ list price £39.99) and The New Solar System 4th edition by Beatty, Petersen and Chaikin, 1999, CUP, ISBN 05216 45875 £32.00 and other sources such as NASA and ESA Websites. The module presents an up-to-date view of the Solar System, supported by results from recent space research. It starts with an overview of space exploration, including the motivation and technology required for past, present and future missions. Then the focus moves to various solid and gaseous bodies in the Solar System. Comparisons are made between planets to highlight their similarities and differences, with emphasis laid  upon how physical processes, such as impact cratering and volcanism, are affected by different planetary environments. Recent results from current space missions are introduced whenever possible. 

Assessment

Assessments for the University Advanced Certificate in Astronomy are submitted according to a Course Schedule. To pass the course as a whole requires passes in each of the two modules which are assessed as follows:

• AA2053 - four assessments - typically two experimental reports (based on simulated experiments carried out via the Internet) and two question sheets based on the Course Notes. 
• AA2054 - one researched essay, one question sheet and the preparation of a PowerPoint presentation.
• There is no examination.

To pass a module, it is not necessary to pass each item of coursework individually provided that the overall module mark is 40% or more and certain  criteria specified in the appropriate module description are met. 

Further Courses

The Department offers Level 1 University Certificate courses in related topics which are structured in a similar way. These courses can be studied separately or combined to obtain a Certificate of Higher Education in Astronomy. Please see the relevant factsheets for these courses.

Students who successfully complete the University Certificate in Astronomy  can progress to the University Advanced Certificates (at Level 2). See separate factsheet for details of the Diploma of Higher Education in Astronomy and BSc (Hons) in Astronomy.

In addition, students who fulfill the A-level requirements can study the full-time on-campus degree programmes in Physics or Astrophysics. Prior completion of University Certificate in Astronomy will count towards the degree, by means of accreditation of prior learning. Please see the UCLan Prospectus for Full-time Students for details of the entry requirements. 

International Students

International Students are welcome to apply but should note that the course is only available in the English language.

Fees

The tuition fee for a standard module of 20 national credits is set each year. Please visit the Module Fees page on our website for details of this year's fees: http://www.studyastronomy.com/fees.php

The  fee payable in any academic year depends on the number of modules a student registers to study in that year. 

Application Procedure and Further Information

For further information and on-line application form visit the www.StudyAstronomy.com website.

Alternatively,  contact the Programme Administrator at the following address:

The Programme Administrator
Study Astronomy
School of Computing, Engineering and Physical Sciences
University of Central Lancashire
Preston PR1 2HE
UK

Tel:  +44 (0) 1772 893541 (direct line)
Fax: +44 (0) 1772 892996
Email: ucastro@uclan.ac.uk

Website: www.StudyAstronomy.com 

(This information is correct at the time of going to press but may be subject to change.)

Last updated: 13 July 2010 sd