Advanced Astronomy Planet Earth Certificate in Advanced Astronomy
Last Updated On 1st June 2018
The Advanced Astronomy course builds upon knowledge gained at GCSE or O level and will greatly enhance your understanding and interest in astronomy. On completion of this course you will own a valuable folder of your work, demonstrating your ability to discipline yourself to study in this way.
Several of our students have entered Higher Education courses on the strength of having achieved this Advanced Astronomy certificate.
The mathematics required will generally be of GCSE level standard and where it is felt that an additional maths skill may be needed, this will be included in the lesson.
The syllabus is composed of twelve lessons, divided into four sections.
Section 1. Solar System
Lesson 1 Earth and Moon
Section 2. Telescopes & Starlight
Lesson 4 Optical Aids
Section 3. Stars
Lesson 7 Energy of Stars
Section 4. Galaxies & Distance
Lesson 10 Galaxies
With each of the lessons 1 to 11 is an assignment containing questions, both descriptive and numerical, on the topics covered in that lesson. you complete and return each assignment to your tutor for assessment, in your own time.
You are also required to submit a detailed account of three projects undertaken during the course, selected from a choice of eleven titles. This coursework allow you to develop a topic, in an area of your interest, and to make an extended study.
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The assignments and the End Test are not intended to be done as 'exams'. You may research from notes, books and other sources to complete the questions.
Advanced Astronomy Who Is It For?
This Advanced Astronomy course would suit those who want to learn more about astronomy after GCSE, but are not ready to take a degree in the subject!
Many candidates who take the GCSE in Astronomy wish to study the subject further, only to discover that astronomy is not available as a GCE A level subject.
This course follows on from GCSE Astronomy and assumes a sound knowledge of the basic concepts. The Advanced Astronomy course covers many of the topics studied at GCSE level but in greater depth, as well as introducing new topics.
Some of the assignment questions inevitably contain more calculations than at GCSE but they can all be carried out using just a scientific pocket calculator. The lesson notes contain examples of all the types of question in the assignment and the End Test.
Where any mathematical techniques may be unfamiliar, extra notes are given in the lesson. The course does not include the calculus.
Advanced Astronomy Syllabus
The Solar System Gravitation and circular motion, escape velocity and retention of atmosphere.
The Sun Solar co-ordinates, sunspots and optical depth.
The Radiation from Stars The Bohr atom, energy levels and transitions, energy, frequency and spectral lines.
Stars as Radiating bodies Nuclear energy generation and transportation, inside stars and the evolution of stars.
Optical Aids The structure of the eye, colour vision, response to changes in intensity and wavelength.
Invisible Astronomy Observations in the infrared, ultra violet, x ray gamma ray and radio regions of the spectrum.
Galaxies and Cosmology The structure and distribution of matter in the Milky Way.
The Sky Co-ordinate System Right ascension, declination, altitude, azimuth, hour angle and rising and setting.
Advanced Astronomy Course Assessment
Assignments
Coursework
End Test The final assignment, sent with lesson 12, is the End Test. This last piece of work is an extended study and contains questions on all areas covered during the course.
Final grade The final grade for the course will be awarded on the basis of continual assessment of work submitted during the course. The End Test is the final assignment. Marks will be allocated in three categories as follows :
40% Assignments 35% Project Work 25% End Test
Certificate Candidates who complete the course will be awarded a Planet Earth Education Certificate in Advanced Astronomy.
There is no examination to attend.
Advanced Astronomy What You Will Need
Stationary :
A4 Ring Binder and hole punch
Equipment :
Pocket calculator
Books :
Handbook of the BAA - for the current year Available from British Astronomical Association (BAA),
Get In Touch Advanced Astronomy Cost and Enrolment
Cost
The Advanced Astronomy course is designed to be completed in two years, covering six lessons in each year. The course, at no extra cost, can be spread over a longer period, if preferred or even completed quicker.
Students may enrol at any time of the year.
The cost of the Advanced Astronomy course is split into the four sections as shown below:
Section 1. Solar System.
Section 2. Telescopes & Starlight.
Section 3. Stars.
Section 4. Galaxies & Distance.
With the cost per section at: £60 (per section in the UK) and £80 (per section, overseas)
The course fee includes :
All tuition.
Printing and posting out of all lesson material and required book references.
Marking of assignments, project work and the end test, and their return postage.
Enrolment on the course can take place at any time of the year. Note that you do not need to complete the following enrolment form if paying by Paypal. You will need to complete the Enrolment Form . (You can either fill in this form and then print it out, or you can print it out and fill it in
by hand.) Write a cheque or PO to "Planet Earth Education" for the appropriate amount. Send these to: Planet Earth Education, 45 Willow Avenue, Middleton, Manchester, M24 2HE The first lesson will be sent to you as soon as your enrolment details are received.
