Astronomy
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| 4 Tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) | 1 Computer-marked assignment (CMA) |
| Examination | No residential school |
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This course is available for study in the countries shown.
Summary
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.
Course content
A background in science and a modest amount of mathematics is required for this course. It is divided into two modules, each consisting of a full-colour book, DVD and web-based material. Project work, DVD and web-based activities support and extend these modules.
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 module 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 module 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. 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 module, there is a range of associated activities.
Associated residential school course
The 15-point residential school course Observing the Universe (SXR208) offers tuition and activities that support the academic aims of this course. If you want to count S282 towards certain Open University qualifications, you may need to include SXR208 as well. If you decide to attend the residential school, you must register for SXR208 separately, for which an additional fee is payable.
Entry
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.
This is a Level 2 course; If you have any doubt about the suitability of the course, please contact our Student Registration & Enquiry Service. 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. A pass in an Open University Level 1 course in science (Exploring science (S104) or the discontinued course S103), or maths (Using mathematics (MST121)) will suffice. 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.
Qualifications
S282 is a compulsory course in our:
S282 is an optional course in our:
- BSc (Honours) Natural Sciences (B16)
- BSc (Honours) Molecular Science (B26)
- BSc (Honours) Physical Science (B27)
- BSc (Honours) Secondary Education in Physics (B56)
- Diploma in Natural Sciences (D47)
- Diploma in Molecular Science (E03)
- Diploma in Physical Science (E04)
It can also count towards most of our other degrees at bachelors level, where it can help to weight your degree towards a BSc. We advise you to refer to the relevant qualification descriptions for information on the circumstances in which this course can count towards these qualifications because from time to time the structure and requirements may change.
Excluded combinations
Sometimes you will not be able to count a course towards a qualification if you have already taken another course with similar content. To check any excluded combinations relating to this course, visit our excluded combination finder or check with our Student Registration & Enquiry Service before registering.
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 or the S282 course manager.
The course 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. Large print versions of the printed course material can be provided on request. 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 booklet Meeting your needs which you can download or request from our Student Registration & Enquiry Service.
You can also find information about accessible course 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.
Course materials
What's included
Course books, other printed materials, DVD-ROMs, course 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.
You will need internet access and a computer. If you have purchased a new computer since 2002 it should meet your course computing requirements. Check our Technical Requirements section if your computer is older than this or is otherwise unusual.
Teaching and assessment
Support from your tutor
The course is taught partially online, with an early face-to-face meeting with your tutor and group. You will have a personal tutor, available by email, and you will be a member of a tutorial group. You will have intensive communications with your tutor and fellow students through email and 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 must submit your tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) 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 or ask our Student Registration & Enquiry Service for a copy.
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 2011.
How to register
To register a place on this course return to the top of the page and use the Click to register button. For more information and advice about registration see OU Study Explained.
About this page
An undergraduate course in Science.
Study explained
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Student Reviews
The course is split into two parts and books, The Sun and the Stars and Galaxies and Cosmology. By far ...
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This well-presented course was one of the most fascinating I have tackled - quite awesome in many respects. Without a ...
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