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Curtin University

Astronomy: Discovering the Universe

Curtin University via Open2Study

This course may be unavailable.

Overview

What was the Big Bang? How do black holes work? Could there be life elsewhere in the Universe? In this course we’ll address those topics, as well as gaining some insight into how great scientific discoveries were made, and what's involved in scientific research.

We'll also look at the vital role that new technology plays in scientific discoveries. We'll talk to scientists about their role in the development of largest telescope in the history of astronomy: the Square Kilometre array.

What will I learn?
  • How people over the ages have tried to understand the world around them
  • How we have developed our current picture of the Universe
  • What the Universe looks like on different scales - from the Earth and the Solar System right up to the largest-scale structure of the universe
  • Key theories in astronomy and the key individuals behind them
  • How the universe has evolved and what new discoveries we are finding through the use of new technologies
  • Some insight into the big questions we hope to find answers for, such as whether we are alone in the universe

This course requires approximately 2 - 4 hours of study per week, but can vary depending on the student. This includes watching videos, and taking quizzes and assessments.

If you pass this course you'll receive a Certificate of Achievement. While this certificate isn't a formal qualification or credit, you can use it to demonstrate your interest in learning about this area to potential employers or educational institutions.

Where could this lead me?

If you're wondering what your future could look like in this area, here are some potential careers you could head towards.

  • Astronomer

Syllabus

MODULE 1: GREAT DISCOVERIES IN ASTRONOMY     MODULE 2: UNLOCKING THE SECRETS OF THE UNIVERSE: HOW WE DO SCIENCE     MODULE 3: BUILDING THE WORLD'S LARGEST SCIENCE EXPERIMENT     MODULE 4: ANSWERING BIG QUESTIONS WITH THE SQUARE KILOMETRE ARRAY

Taught by

Dr John Morgan

Reviews

3.6 rating, based on 13 Class Central reviews

Start your review of Astronomy: Discovering the Universe

  • This information is out of date as the course is no longer available. This is unfortunate as it was probably a good introduction to the subject.
  • Profile image for Buttercup Pansies
    Buttercup Pansies
    This is a beginner course in astronomy. It's probably too short for those in the field even as amateurs. But it certainly does whet the appetite to dig for more information. I would say enjoyable but wish there had been more detail on topics for each of the 4 week.
  • Anonymous
    It's an okay course in terms of material. But I do feel it's a bit on the cheap side. Most learners excel using the audio visual method. With that said there has been no use of 'cgi whatsoever or other very inexpensive technological features to make this course more interesting and user friendly. To have an English bloke standing in front of the screen video after video without any exciting schematics or videos is really really boring!
  • Profile image for Sheri Havens
    Sheri Havens
    Dr. John Morgan was an engaging teacher. Great intro to Astronomy class. You don't need a physics background for this class. Good class to take if you are not sure if you will like the subject.
  • Melissa R
    A very good introductory course with no physics background needed. The lecturer spoke in an easy-to-understand language, with all the jargons explained. It's also fun to know how Ph.D candidates explained their projects, such as researching black holes and extraterrestrial lives.
  • A bit boring. Many topics are involved however are not explained in detail, so much confusion is generated... I think that's not fitted for a beginner to astronomy.
  • Alan Salsac
  • Shorouk Abd Elhamed
  • Gerardo Fernández
  • Profile image for Samantha Bishop
    Samantha Bishop
  • Erasmia Birmpila
  • Profile image for Vasco Batista
    Vasco Batista

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