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Study online through Open Universities Australia. Explore all degrees, subjects and short courses now.

Please note: From Study Period 1 2020:
Only the Graduate Certificate of Science (Astronomy) will be available for students to study via Open Universities Australia (OUA).
Students wanting to continue their studies in either the <a href="https://www.swinburne.edu.au/study/course/Graduate-Diploma-of-Science-(Astronomy)-GD-SASTRO/local" target="_blank">Graduate Diploma of Science (Astronomy)</a> or <a href="https://www.swinburne.edu.au/study/course/Master-of-Science-(Astronomy)-MA-SASTRO/local" target="_blank">Master of Science (Astronomy)</a> will need to apply directly with <a href="https://protect-au.mimecast.com/s/6cIPCE8kr8sgQKrJFp_WzL?domain=swinburne.edu.au" target="_blank">Swinburne University of Technology</a>.
Additional information is also available on the Swinburne Astronomy Online (SAO) website at <a href="https://protect-au.mimecast.com/s/mHgACK1qK1SBj0gvfG5s0H?domain=astronomy.swinburne.edu.au" target="_blank">http://astronomy.swinburne.edu.au/sao/</a>”
The Graduate Certificate of Science (Astronomy) cover the fundamental concepts and ‘big questions’ of modern astronomy. It equips students with an overall understanding of modern astronomy, rather than training as a professional astronomer.
The introductory level subjects require no background mathematical knowledge and instead focus on a conceptual approach to astronomy. However, some of the more advanced-level subjects have prerequisites and assume knowledge of introductory tertiary level mathematics and physics.

Focus on a conceptual approach to astronomy and the 'big questions' without needing a mathematical background. Graduates find opportunities working in observatories, science centres and museums, science and astronomy education and public outreach.

Graduate Certificate of Science (Astronomy)

This program provides an introduction to the concepts and techniques used to explore the solar system, which forms the basis of the space industry. The space industry covers many sectors including engineering, manufacturing, science, remote operations, mining, health, etc. It assumes no prior knowledge of the space environments, and is well suited for those who are employed by or interact with industries, such as resources, finance, science, etc…, who wish to gain a better understanding of the history and reach of the space industry.Graduate Certificates prepare students to develop advanced knowledge and skills for professional or highly skilled work and further learning corresponding to AQF level 8 qualifications.

Gain an overview of the challenges and opportunities of space. You’ll start with space science and exploration. Then, examine technical and strategic aspects of the growing industry. Deepen your knowledge of space or prepare for a career in the sector.

Graduate Certificate in Space Environment

Exploring the Solar System

Galaxies and their Place in the Universe

Exploring Stars and the Milky Way

Studies in Space Exploration

This subject is a general science elective for students without necessarily a science background, nevertheless a fundamental mathematical component is key to fully appreciating the topic material (this includes a basic understanding of algebra, trigonometry and logarithms; no calculus is required in this course).
The subject provides an introduction to some of the key concepts in astronomy, astrophysics and cosmology. An understanding of stars, galaxies, black holes and the Universe in general is developed. In addition, students are invited to research their own area of interest in astronomy to a depth dictated by their own ability.

Revolve around the origin and development of the galaxy and universe. Navigate a course in astronomy, astrophysics and cosmology. Explore the life cycle of stars and the gravitational effects of black holes. Discuss the Big Bang hypothesis. 

Astronomy and Black Holes

Explore our understanding of the life and death of stars, the universe, and the big bang by studying this subject. You will examine how our view of the solar system and wider universe has changed through history, and how we acquired this knowledge. You will examine astronomical instruments and the physics behind methods of astronomical observation. You will study what we know of topics such as the physical processes underlying the formation, lifespan, evolution and death of stars and the big bang and the resulting expansion of the universe. This subject will also provide you with an account and physical explanation of exotic objects in the universe such as neutron stars, quasars, pulsars and black holes.There is a non-mandatory intensive school available for this subject held at UNE Sydney Campus. Dates for this intensive school to be advised.

Gaze back at past views and explore current perspectives of the solar system and wider universe. Investigate astronomical instruments. Follow the life and death of stars. Unpack the big bang. Explore celestial bodies and exotic objects like black holes.

Introduction to Astronomy and Astrophysics

This subject aims to provide an introduction to our solar neighbourhood, including terrestrial planets, giant planets, minor bodies and the Sun. The emphasis is on conceptual astronomy rather than mathematical techniques.

Revolve around the solar system. Survey the stellar suburbs of stars, terrestrial and giant planets and the Moon and Sun. Understand Earth’s position.  Study celestial activities of the night sky. Probe the solid surfaces of Mercury, Venus and Mars. 

This subject aims to provide an introduction to galaxies and galaxy clustering, theories of dark matter, galaxy formation and evolution.

Gravitate towards galaxies and reveal the theory of dark matter. Chart the universe in depth and navigate structures from dwarf stars to voids. Discover the gravity of galactic clusters. Unearth how first galaxies are formed, evolve and change. 

This subject presents the basic principles, issues and scientific goals in space exploration, and traces its history and development with particular reference to manned versus unmanned space exploration, spacecraft design, launch and navigation, imaging and remote sensing. Public perception of space science and analysis of the costs, risks and benefits of space exploration are discussed with special reference to ethical and legal implications of topics, such as the use of radioisotope fuel sources, &#39;space junk&#39; and mining rights in space.

Launch through the cosmos and trace the history and progress of space exploration. Navigate the risks and benefits. Observe and explore crewed versus robotic galactic missions. Unearth ethical and legal debates. Probe public perceptions. 

This subject aims to provide an introduction to the birth, life and death of stars and the structure of our Galaxy. The emphasis is on conceptual astronomy rather than mathematical techniques.

Revolve around the Milky Way and classify stars. Illuminate stellar lifecycles from the birth of dazzling white dwarfs to fading red giants. Get deeply topical. Discuss dark matter and raise awareness of modern theory. Map out an astronomical topic. 

From Jules Verne to Star Trek, science fiction has proven to be remarkably prescient in developing new technologies, and shaping attitudes towards that technology. You will also study why certain predictions did not come true. This subject uses ideas from science fiction to inform and educate you about key concepts in science and technology in an on-mathematical way. You will explore not only the limits imposed by physics, but also some of the ways that science fiction has inspired ways to be at those limits. Examples include teleportation, quantum computing, time travel and warp drives.
This subject will enable you to better understand the role of science and technology  in shaping the future, gain an understanding of the scientific process, recognise the importance of multidisciplinary research teams for solving some of the society’s biggest technological challenges, and help them take their place in Designing the Future.
The subject will be delivered in 3 blocks of 4 weeks each, with each block including 4 x theory-based and 1 x math-based online tests. For each block, all material will be available immediately, and all online tests will be due before the commencement of the following block.

Navigate the journey between science fact and fiction. Learn how fictional ideas inspire futuristic, functional design. From Star Trek to cryogenics and nanotechnology, clarify how scientific research has solved many tech challenges in society. 

Science Fiction, Science Fact

This subject will provide an overview of the multi-disciplinary nature of astrobiology - combining geology, chemistry, biology and astronomy. It will investigate the origins and evolution of life on Earth, the interaction between life and its environment, and the search for life elsewhere in the Solar System and beyond

Navigate the origins and evolution of life on Earth. Study what matters in the universe and reach for the stars. Uncover the early Earth and the rise of life. Explore probabilities of life on other planets—what makes habitability and the signs of life.

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