Astronomy
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This course considers the structure, origin and evolution of stars, galaxies and the universe as a whole, asking questions such as: How are stars born, and what happens when they die? How do galaxies form, and how do we know that the universe began in a ‘big bang’? This introduction to astronomy investigates the stars and their life cycles, galaxies and quasars, and the origin and evolution of the universe – and how it might continue to evolve in the future. You’ll make use of computer-based resources and can undertake some straightforward project work, based on your observations of the sky.
Fees 2012
See fees and funding options for study from September 2012.
Course facts
An undergraduate course in Science.
| About this course: | |
|---|---|
| Course code | S282 |
| Credits | 30 |
| OU Level | 2 |
| SCQF level | 9 |
| FHEQ level | 5 |
| Course work includes: |
|---|
| 3 Tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) |
| 1 Computer-marked assignment (CMA) |
| Examination |
| No residential school |
Register for the course
This course is available for study in the countries shown. Fees and financial support may vary by country.
What you will study
A background in science and a modest amount of mathematics is required for this course. It is divided into two parts, each consisting of a full-colour book, DVD and web-based material. Project work, DVD and web-based activities support and extend these two parts.
The sun and stars We start with the sun – our star – and then explore the properties of other stars. You will see that there is an astonishing range of stellar types, and that our sun, though essential for our existence, is an unremarkable member of the stellar menagerie that encompasses massive blue stars, brown dwarfs, red giants, supergiants and white dwarfs. You will learn how the various types of star are born, how they live powered by nuclear reactions, and how they die, including the spectacular death of supergiants in supernovae – perhaps leaving behind a pulsar, perhaps even a black hole. Throughout this first part the relationship between stars and the interstellar medium is explored and you will see how the stars and interstellar gas are linked together in a process of cosmic recycling.
The activities supporting this first part include practical project work, mostly based on observations of celestial objects that you will make. All the projects are straightforward – no experience is required – and all can be done in an urban environment with the naked eye. There are also extensive computer and web-based activities. So, for example, you will retrieve and analyse astronomical data from sources on the internet, and use computer spreadsheets to investigate some of the theoretical ideas that are presented in the course. You will also use the internet as a source of up-to-date information about astronomical observatories, space missions and experiments.
Galaxies and cosmology The sun is one of a hundred thousand million stars that inhabit our galaxy – the Milky Way. You will find out how astronomers study the structure and content of our galaxy before moving on to consider other types of galaxy. You will see that some of the most luminous objects in the universe are active galaxies which probably contain supermassive black holes at their centres. You will consider current ideas about the formation and evolution of galaxies and the course discusses how such ideas will be tested by observations from new, space-based observatories. Moving on from individual galaxies, the course looks at large-scale structure and considers the evolution of the universe as a whole. You will review the evidence that supports the idea that the universe began in a ‘big bang’, and you will see how ideas about the early universe are at the forefront of research in physics and cosmology. As in the first part, there is a range of associated activities.
Entry
This is a Level 2 course and you need to have a good knowledge of the subject area, obtained either through Level 1 study with the OU, or by doing equivalent work at another university.
The course is intended for a wide range of people, and with proper preparation it is suitable for all those who want to develop their understanding of astronomy: anyone who has a general interest, amateur astronomers, schoolteachers (at all levels) who want to use the enormous appeal of the subject matter to enhance their teaching of science.
You are not expected to have any knowledge of astronomy, but we recommend that you do not attempt the course without a sound knowledge of physics and mathematics from our Level 1 courses (Exploring science (S104) or (Using mathematics (MST121).
It is essential that you establish whether or not your background and experience give you a sound basis on which to tackle the course, since students who are appropriately prepared have the best chance of completing their studies successfully. The Science Faculty has produced a booklet Are You Ready For S282? to help you to decide whether you already have the recommended background knowledge or experience to start the course or whether you need a little extra preparation. This can be viewed or printed from the Are you ready for science? website.
If you have any doubt about the suitability of the course, please contact our Student Registration & Enquiry Service.
If you have a disability or additional requirement
If you have impaired sight you might experience difficulties with some of the questions used for assessment and some of the project work. You might also not be able to make full use of the video or the computer-based resources. If in certain cases these cannot be adapted appropriately for your needs the use of a sighted assistant to assist your work may be appropriate. You can get more advice from the Student Registration & Enquiry Service.
The study materials are available in Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF). Components may not be available or fully accessible using a screen reader and mathematical, scientific, foreign language or graphic materials may be particularly difficult to read in this way. Written transcripts are available for the audio-visual material. Our Services for disabled students website has the latest information about availability.
You will need to spend considerable amounts of time using a personal computer and the internet. If you are a new student, or new to courses using a computer or the internet, you will need to inform us of your particular needs as soon as possible, as some of our support services may take several weeks to arrange. Details of how to do this and our range of support services are described in our publication Meeting your needs.
You can also find information about accessible study materials, financial support and the Disabled Students' Allowance, equipment and other services, on our Services for disabled students website. It also includes our contact details for advice and support both before you register and while you are studying.
Study materials
What's included
Course books, other printed materials, DVD-ROMs, a website.
You will need
A scientific calculator.
Computing requirements
This course includes online computer activities – you can access these using a web browser that can play Flash and Shockwave. Some of your course software will be provided on disk.
You will need internet access and a computer. If you have purchased a new Windows computer since 2005 it should meet your course computing requirements. Check our Technical Requirements section if your computer is older than this or is otherwise unusual. Please note that you cannot use an Apple Mac or Linux computer unless it is running Windows using Boot Camp or similar dual-boot system.
Teaching and assessment
Support from your tutor
You will have a tutor who will help you with the study material and comment on your written work, and whom you can ask for advice and guidance. There will be a number of online tutorials that you can join and access via your computer. You are encouraged, but not obliged, to participate in these. You will also be able to participate in discussions through online forums.
If you are new to the OU, you will find that your tutor will be particularly concerned to help you with your study methods.
Contact our Student Registration & Enquiry Service if you want to know more about study with the Open University before you register.
Assessment
The assessment details for this course can be found in the facts box above.
You will be expected to submit your tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) online through the eTMA system unless there are some difficulties which prevent you from doing so. In these circumstances, you must negotiate with your tutor to get their agreement to submit your assignment on paper.
Professional recognition
This course may help you to gain recognition from a professional body. You can download a copy of our Recognition leaflet 3.8 Scientific Institutions for more information.
Students also studied
Students who studied this course also studied at some time:
Future availability
The details given here are for the course that starts in February 2013. It will be available again in October 2013 when it will be available for the last time.
Fees 2012
See fees and funding options for study from September 2012.
Course facts
An undergraduate course in Science.
| About this course: | |
|---|---|
| Course code | S282 |
| Credits | 30 |
| OU Level | 2 |
| SCQF level | 9 |
| FHEQ level | 5 |
| Course work includes: |
|---|
| 3 Tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) |
| 1 Computer-marked assignment (CMA) |
| Examination |
| No residential school |
Study explained
- Financial support
- - find out if you qualify for support with your fees with our eligibility checker.
- Study explained
- - all you need to know about distance learning with the OU.
Student Reviews
S282 is a challenging course and I would not advise anyone to take it as their first Level 2 course. ...
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I loved doing this course and unexpectedly discovered that I really enjoy Astronomy as a result. Packed with really interesting ...
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Your questions
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Or contact an adviser in our Student Registration & Enquiry Service Email or call +44(0) 845 300 60 90+44(0) 845 366 60 35
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