Distance Learning Courses in Astronomy
There are some changes to our distance learning programme from October 2009. During academic year 2009/2010 we will be offering the following courses:
Life in the Universe - running from Oct 2009 to Mar 2010
Exploring the Radio Universe - running from Feb 2010 to Jul 2010
This will be the last time these two courses will run under the present arrangements. We are exploring alternative ways in which they may be offered beyond 2009/10 but this will be in collaboration with partner universities and is not guaranteed.
Application deadline for Life in the Universe is 14th September 2009.
Application deadline for Exploring the Radio Universe is 8th January 2010.
The Introduction to Radio Astronomy course may be offered during 2009/10 but in collaboration with a partner university. Details are not yet finalised and availability is not guaranteed.
For academic year 2009/10, the Jodrell Bank Centre of Astrophysics at the University of Manchester is offering two accredited part-time distance learning courses in astronomy. Courses comprise part-time home study via the internet and lead to the award of Certificates of Credit which can count towards higher awards.
There are two courses on offer in 2009/10, more details of which can be found by following the links in the navigation bar at left. A third course (Introduction to Radio Astronomy) may be offered during 2009/10 but not through application to the University of Manchester - further information will be published here as soon as it is available.
Life in the Universe & SETI: A 20-credit Level 1 course providing an astronomical perspective on our cosmic origins from the big bang to the development of intelligent life and SETI. The syllabus includes a general introduction to astronomy concentrating on the origin of the chemical elements in the big bang, stars and supernovae; the formation of the solar system; the conditions necessary for life to develop; the search for life on other planets; the discovery of extrasolar planets; and SETI - the search for extraterrestrial intelligence.
Exploring the Radio Universe: A 20-credit Level 1 course providing a thorough study of the universe as seen through the radio window. Deeper and more wide-ranging than the Introduction to Radio Astronomy, this course includes a broad overview of radio telescopes & receivers and the techniques of radio astronomy. Practical sessions include using our 7-metre telescope via the internet and analysing data from other radio telescopes including the 76-metre Lovell Telescope in a dedicated observing session.
Introduction to Radio Astronomy: A 10-credit Level 1 course focused around an opportunity to make your own observations of pulsars and galaxies using telescopes at Jodrell Bank. This is either during a weekend visit or remotely via the internet. Supporting course materials leading up to the observing sessions cover an introduction to radio telescopes and to these astronomical sources of radio waves. NOTE: this is not currently open to applications for 2009/10.
How to contact us
E-mail: Jodrell.Courses@manchester.ac.uk
Jodrell Bank Observatory
School of Physics and Astronomy
The University of Manchester
Macclesfield
Cheshire SK11 9DL
United Kingdom
Other astronomy distance learning courses
Jodrell Bank works closely with the Open University offering a Certificate in Introductory Astronomy.
We also work with Liverpool John Moores University and the University of Central Lancashire in the astronomy.ac.uk consortium.
Interested in full-time study?
Visit our web pages describing undergraduate degree courses in physics and astrophysics or postgraduate research in astronomy.
