Astrophysical Concepts ASTRM402

This micro-credential will provide students with a broad foundation in the key concepts of astronomy and astrophysics. It will cover a range of topics from the solar-system and gravitational orbits, extra solar planets and life on other worlds, measuring cosmological distances, the life-cycle of stars, galaxies and how they evolve with time, special and general relativity, dark matter and dark energy, and the origin and fate of the Universe. It also will provide a solid foundation in the history of humanity's exploration of the cosmos, explore the contemporary state of astronomy research, and discuss open questions and unsolved mysteries in our current understanding of the Universe. In addition, this course will also explore the practical aspects of observing the cosmos at different wavelengths, and include hands on analysis of real astronomical data; allowing students to derive key results in modern research and provide practical experience in working with the various data types used in astronomy. In combination, this will provide students with a both a general interest understanding of astronomy, and the solid foundation for further study in astronomy and physics.

Upon successful completion of this micro-credential, you'll receive:

• Two PD Points
• A Certificate of Achievement
• A UWA Professional Development Transcript, listing all successfully completed micro-credentials

Delivery mode

Fully online

Course dates

7 October - 12 December 2024 

Applications close

6 September 2024

Duration

10 weeks

Total effort

55 hours

Academic lead:  Dr Luke Davies

Cost

UWA Starter fees for 2024 –

$247.50 (inc GST) per micro-credential for students from participating partner schools

$55 (inc GST) per micro-credential for students from participating UWA Broadway Schools

$495 (inc GST) per micro-credential for students from non-partner schools

Critical information summary

ASTRM402 Astrophysical Concepts (PDF 245KB)

 

This micro-credential will appeal to Year 11-12 students looking to expand their understanding of astronomy and astrophysics. It will provide a broad understanding of the key topics in astronomy, and lay the solid foundations for further university-level study in physics and astronomy.

How does it work?

This micro credential will involve:

• Fully online learning
• 55 hours of learning over 10 weeks
• including a combination of on-line recorded lectures, drop-in question sessions, assessments and assessment preparation

What's next after this course?

Future study

Students who successfully complete this micro-credential will: 

• Receive a UWA Professional Development Transcript at the end of your studies, listing all completed UWA micro-credentials – great for uni entry and your resume!
• Earn 2  stackable  PD Points -  complete two more UWA Starter micro-credentials to earn 6 PD Points and gain credit for one unit towards selected UWA bachelor degrees.
• Gain points that can contribute towards admission to UWA via Experience-based entry.

Astronomy

Study: Undergraduate degree in Physics and/or Astronomy

Study: Masters degree in Astronomy

Study: PhD in Astronomy

Career: Astronomy Researcher (or career in STEM)