Observing the Universe
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| 1 Tutor-marked assignment (TMA) | 1 Interactive computer-marked assignment (iCMA) |
| End-of-course assessment | Residential school |
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This course is available for study in the countries shown. Fees may vary by country.
Summary
This one-week residential school at the well-equipped Observatori Astronòmic in the heart of rural Mallorca provides experience of doing practical astronomy and planetary science under professional supervision. Before the school, you’ll work through a course book introducing observational and experimental techniques in astronomy and planetary science, and undertake a short assignment testing your understanding of the material. The main assignment is a detailed report on one of the projects you completed at residential school. Although there’s a choice of dates, we can’t always offer your first choice – so it’s a good idea to register early if you have a preference.
Course content
Facilities at the Observatori Astronòmic de Mallorca include seven small domes with fully networked optical telescopes, a teaching laboratory, computers with data-analysis software, and a state-of-the-art planetarium. The main observatory building houses three larger telescopes used for research projects.
You will complete a number of telescope and laboratory-based projects. A typical study day at the observatory starts in late afternoon and continues until the early hours of the morning, to maximize the amount of dark time available for the data-acquisition phase of most projects. Depending on the time of year you may not be back at your hotel before dawn.
Please note that despite the favourable climate of Mallorca, clear skies cannot be guaranteed! This is why most of the projects are designed in such a way that they can also be conducted with pre-existing data. You will be working in groups of six; each group is supervised and assisted by a member of staff. You will be working in an academic environment, meeting students with similar interests but from a wide range of backgrounds. This is an intellectual climate that most students find invigorating.
As well as carrying out the observational projects, you may, depending on the weather, have the opportunity to attend tutorials, lectures and workshops on various topics in astronomy and planetary science, pitched at the level of our Level 2 courses in astronomy and planetary science (Astronomy (S282) and Planetary science and the search for life (S283)). There will also be planetarium demonstrations and opportunities to explore the night sky with the naked eye, binoculars and telescopes.
Before the school you will study the course text which provides a general introduction to observational and experimental work in astronomy and planetary science and handling data including how to maintain a project notebook and how to handle random and systematic experimental uncertainties. Also, before the school you will be asked to complete an assignment mainly on aspects covered in the book. A second assignment after the school will include the write-up of one of the projects.
The school will be held at the Observatori Astronòmic de Mallorca during March and April (avoiding Easter) for the course starting in January, and in September for the course starting in July. You will be asked to choose your preferred week when you register for the course. Places are limited and allocated on a ‘first come, first served’ basis, so you should register as early as you can. You will have to make your own travel arrangements to get to Mallorca.
See our Residential Schools website for more information.
Entry
The course is appropriate for anyone taking courses in the astronomy and planetary science curriculum area (either with the Open University or elsewhere) who would like an introduction to observational techniques and methods used in modern astronomy and planetary science. It is a stand-alone course, but also naturally complements the 30-point Level 2 courses Astronomy (S282) and Planetary science and the search for life (S283).
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 SXR208? 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 Science Faculty website.
If you have any doubt about the suitability of the course, please contact our Student Registration & Enquiry Service.
Qualifications
SXR208 is an optional course in our:
- BSc (Honours) Natural Sciences (B16)
- BSc (Honours) Physical Science (B27)
- BSc (Honours) Geosciences (B25)
- BSc (Honours) Secondary Education in Physics (B56)
- Diploma in Natural Sciences (D47)
- Diploma in Geosciences (E02)
- Diploma in Physical Science (E04)
It can also count for 15 points 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 award descriptions for information on the circumstances in which the course can count towards these qualifications because from time to time the structure and requirements of a qualification may change.
Course materials
What's included
Printed materials, a residential week of tuition, seven nights bed at a hotel (but not breakfast), meals and snacks provided at observatory, coach transport between hotel and observatory. You will need to make your own travel arrangements to get to Mallorca. The travel costs and the transfer costs from the point of entry in Mallorca to the hotel and back are not included.
You will need
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
Throughout the residential week tutors will be working with you, as well as providing specialist help and supervision throughout the formal activities of the school. They will also be available to offer informal advice and support. 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 assignment (TMA) on paper.
One of the assignments must be completed before the school, on aspects of the course book, and one after the school, on one of the projects. To pass the course you must pass this continuous assessment component, as well as an assessment of your achievements at the residential school itself.
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 July 2010 and February and May 2011 when it will be available for the last time.
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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- Study explained
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Student Reviews
This course is a real chance to get your hands on some basic scientific equipment. You get to play with ...
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What a brilliant course; I loved every second of the residential week and I learned so much by DOING as ...
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