ASTRONOMY BSC
Investing in Tomorrow's Leaders
GO UNIVERSITY Ghana/Global 2016/17/18/19
BSc (Hons) Astronomy Degree Course - ASTR 3 Years
Modules on this Astronomy Degree Course:
Year 1
Module 1
1. Introduction to Astronomy - AA1051
In this module you will study both observational and theoretical aspects of astronomy, including the night sky, telescopes, stars, stellar lifetimes and energy sources, galaxies and cosmology. You do not need to have your own telescope or binoculars to complete this module.
This is the module we use to introduce our first year Astrophysics students to the central ideas of astronomy. It takes a quantitative scientific approach and you will need to use maths to solve problems from the outset.
Tutor:
Level: 1 Credits: 10
2. Introduction to Cosmology - AA1053
This module begins to explain how the Universe began and subsequently developed to its present observed form. You will learn how the Big Bang created all elementary particles, about processes that led to the formation of today's galaxies, galaxy clusters and larger-scale structures, and how we can probe the cosmological history of the Universe.
Assessments include a researched essay and questions sheets containing a mix of problems requiring maths and explanations.
Tutor: Level: 1 Credits: 10
3. IT for Astronomy - AA1055
Gain an introduction to the application of Information Technology in astronomy. After a brief review of office applications, the module provides notes and practical exercises in the astronomical application of IT. Self-study exercises are biased towards applications appropriate for astronomy and cosmology, using Internet resources.
Tutor:
Level: 1 Credits: 10
4. Energy, Matter and the Universe - AA1056
You will acquire a quantitative understanding of the physical and mathematical concepts underlying astrophysical processes and a foundation of this topic for study in astronomy.
You will cover fundamental physical forces, equations of motion, elementary particles and the electromagnetic nature of light. Appropriate mathematics, such as vectors, trigonometry and calculus, are introduced as the topics require.
Tutor:
Level: 1 Credits: 10
5. Investigations in Astronomy - AA1057
As part of a larger award, you have an opportunity for a more detailed investigation into the topics of the other modules. You will normally cover three topics which might be: the astronomical distance ladder, exploration of the Cosmic Microwave background, the development of large ground-based telescopes, active galaxies, galactic structure and space technology.
Tutor: Level: 1 Credits: 10
6. Sun, Earth and Climate - AA1058
Starting with an exploration of the Sun, Earth and Climate as complex systems, this module then looks at the interactions that cause them to be interlinked. You will study developments on astronomical, geological, historical and annual time scales and gain an understanding of the context of such matters as climate change and space weather. Practical exercises extend this understanding and develop appropriate scientific skills.
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Level: 1 Credits: 10
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YEAR 2
7. Introduction to Astrobiology - AA1059
This introduction to astrobiology course provides you with a basic knowledge of chemistry and astronomy appropriate for the understanding of the biochemistry underpinning life in the Universe.
You will explore the definitions of life as we currently understand them, our understanding of how life started and evolved in the Universe and the astronomical sites that could support the basic life processes.
Assessment includes experimental reports requiring analysis of data and question sheets including a mix of problems and explanations.
Tutor:
Level: 1 Credits: 10
8. Great Astronomers in History - AA1066
You will explore the discoveries of key astronomers in the context of the times they worked in. Starting with the nature and history of science, you will work from the Ancient Greeks through Nicholas Copernicus, Tycho Brahe, Johannes Kepler, Galileo Galilei, Jeremiah Horrocks, Isaac Newton and William Herschel to an understanding of the the progress of both scientific discovery and the changing view of science.
Assessment involves a researched essay, a book review and a role-play letter. This module requires good skills in written English, but no maths.
Tutor:
Level: 1 Credits: 10
9.The Milky Way - AA2051
You will build upon what you learnt about stars and our Galaxy in AA1051 Introduction to Astronomy to develop a broad understanding of The Milky Way. You will learn about observations of the overall structure of the Galaxy in which we live, concluding with the black hole at its centre. You will also gain an overview of many of the processes that are responsible for shaping the content of the Galaxy and guiding its evolution over time. Assessments include a researched essay and question sheets involving problem-solving and explanations.
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Level: 2 Credits: 10
10. Galaxies Beyond the Milky Way - AA2052
Using your knowledge of our own Galaxy, you will be introduced to Galaxies beyond the Milky Way. You will use multi-waveband observations coupled to basic physical principles to understand the phenomena of galaxies in the Universe.
You will cover the following topics: the local universe, the local group of galaxies, clustering of galaxies, evolution and challenges for the future.
Tutor:
Level: 2 Credits: 10
11. UV, optical and IR Astronomy - AA2053
In this module you will develop your understanding of techniques and processess that underlie astronomical observations. You will learn about the effects of the Earth's atmosphere on observations, telescopes, the uses of photometry, and how detectors including CCD work.
You will also develop your skills in practical observing and simple data reduction, using your own equipment or commonly available resources from the Internet. Here you will carry out practical aspects of photometry and CCD imaging which will be written up as an assessed experimental report.
Tutor:
Level: 2 Credits: 10
12. Exploring the Solar System - AA2054
Our understanding of the Solar System is constantly changing as new results from space research emerge. This module will bring your view of the Solar System up-to-date, using results from recent space missions.
It starts with an overview of space exploration, including the motivation and technology required for past, present and future missions. Then your focus will move to various solid and gaseous bodies in the Solar System. You will compare the bodies with the emphasis on how physical processes affect the different planetary environments.
Tutor:
Level: 2 Credits: 10
13. Solar Astrophysics - AA2055
Solar Astrophysics provides a broad introduction to the subject, involving a mixture of theoretical and observational approaches to demonstrate and explain various solar phenomena. You will learn about the overall structure of the sun, including the use of solar neutrinos and helioseismology to probe its interior, the importance of the magnetic field in determining its surface features and the problem of coronal heating.
You will also develop astronomy subject skills such as data analysis, use of imaging techniques and the preparation of scientific reports.
Tutor:
Level: 2 Credits: 10
14. Solar-Stellar Connection - AA2056
You will build upon the stellar astronomy and astrophysics covered in AA1051 or equivalent and your level-2 study of the Sun (AA2055). You will study the links between solar astrophysics and a range of stellar phenomena and topics in stellar astrophysics. You will explore in detail the evolution of sun-like stars from their formation to their endpoints as white dwarfs.
The emphasis throughout this module is on taking the detailed case study of the Sun and setting it in the wider context of solar-like and other stars, showing their similarities and differences.
Tutor:
Level: 2 Credits: 10
YEAR 3
15. Astronomy Dissertation - AA3050
The dissertation is an extended piece of work that you will undertake in your final year of study for the BSc. It requires research by way of a literature search and/or web search of up-to-date material. You choose your own dissertation topic, subject to availability of a member of staff with the necessary expertise for effective supervision in that topic, and the availability of appropriate learning resources.
Tutor: Barbara Hassall + individual supervisors
Level: 3 Credits: 20
16. Origins - AA3051
In this module you will explore a selection of topics that are drawn from projects regarded as 'cutting edge research' in astronomy or astrophysics. Examples include the insights into galaxy formation in the early universe, drawing on recent results from space-based telescopes and state-of-the-art numerical simulations, and the discovery and characterization of extrasolar planets.
Your work takes the form of a number of mini-seminars that are used to seed discussion amongst students on the module.
Tutor:
Level: 3 Credits: 10
17. Cosmology and Relativity - AA3053
You will build upon the introduction to cosmology provided by AA1053, by adopting a more mathematical approach to cosmology and relativity. You will be presented with the essentials of the subject, emphasising the underlying physics and the observational consequences.
Tutor:
Level: 3 Credits: 10
18. Extreme States of Matter - AA3056
In this module you will cover in depth a limited number of physical concepts that describe the behaviour of matter in extreme conditions using astrophysical examples to illustrate the concepts.
An example topic is 'Emission Mechanisms'. In this you will learn about electromagnetic radiation, astrophysical plasma, bremsstrahlung, cyclotron, synchrotron, masers, and radiative transfer and then apply what you have learnt to astrophysical jets, novae, accretion disks and the Eddington limit.
Tutor:
Level: 3 Credits: 10
19. Collaborative Investigation - AA3057
You will collaborate in small groups with other students to research and study a current astronomical topic. Your research will draw on recent results and research-level articles. Finally your group will produce a report and electronic presentation of your work.
Tutor:
Level: 3 Credits: 10
ASTRONOMY BSc.
FEARLESS INVESTMENT IN YOUR FUTURE-LOOK AHEAD WITH GO UNIVERSITY
BSc Hons. ASTRONOMY-
Go University
Astronomy, a natural science, is the study of celestial objects (such as stars, galaxies, planets, moons, asteroids, comets and nebulae) and processes (such as supernovae explosions, gamma ray bursts, and cosmic microwave background radiation), the physics, chemistry, and evolution of such objects and processes, and more generally all phenomena that originate outside the atmosphere of Earth.
A related but distinct subject, physical cosmology, is concerned with studying the Universe as a whole.
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Astronomy is one of the oldest sciences. The early civilizations in recorded history, such as the Babylonians, Greeks, Indians, Egyptians, Nubians, Iranians, Chinese, and Maya performed methodical observations of the night sky.
Historically, astronomy has included disciplines as diverse as astrometry, celestial navigation, observational astronomy and the making of calendars, but professional astronomy is nowadays often considered to be synonymous with astrophysics.
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During the 20th century, the field of professional astronomy split into observational and theoretical branches.
Observational astronomy is focused on acquiring data from observations of astronomical objects, which is then analyzed using basic principles of physics.
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Theoretical astronomy is oriented toward the development of computer or analytical models to describe astronomical objects and phenomena. The two fields complement each other, with theoretical astronomy seeking to explain the observational results and observations being used to confirm theoretical results.
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Astronomy is one of the few sciences where amateurs can still play an active role, especially in the discovery and observation of transient phenomena. Amateur astronomers have made and contributed to many important astronomical discoveries.
So You Want to be a Professional Astronomer!
Exotic workplace locales, amazing discoveries, and fame (but probably not fortune) await those who persevere on the path leading to a career as a professional astronomer.
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by Duncan Forbes
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Wanted: Astronomer. Must be willing to work occasional nights on the top of a mountain in an exotic location. A sense of adventure and nomadic lifestyle is a plus.Flexible hours and casual dress code compensate for uncertain long-term career
prospects and average pay. The opportunity for real scientific discovery awaits theright candidate. Apply now!
In many ways, professional astronomers are very fortunate. They have an opportunity to continue their passion (one that many people share) and they’re paid to do it.
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Some of the reasons given by PhD students for becoming an astronomer include: it’s fun
and exciting, there are great opportunities for travel, it’s a cool job, and it’s possible to make significant discoveries.
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Universities, observatories, government organizations, and industry employ astronomers who, contrary to popular belief, don’t spend all their waking hours at a
telescope. Instead, most of their time is spent teaching, managing projects, providing support services, and doing administrative duties.
A typical astronomer might spend
just a week or two a year on an observing run, followed by months of data analysis and article writing.
If you’re going after a career in astronomy, be warned: It is extremely competitive!
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There are many very smart, hard working people seeking a limited number of positions.
The worldwide community of professional astronomers is only about 10,000; most are located in the US (with about 1,000 in the UK and 250 in Australia).
But very exciting and of fame and big knowledge.
WANT IT STILL? THEN GO FOR IT.
Enroll now!! with our online forms: Red button on the website above.
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DEAN OF STUDIES- GROUP
Prof. Dr. MICHAEL APPIAH, PhD
Prof. Dr. DANIEL PhD
Prof. Dr. HELENA AHULU, PhD
Assoc. Prof. JOHN DOGBE
BA, MA, PhD candi.
Assoc. Prof. JOSEPH KOFI BAFFOE,
BSc. MSc. PhD candi.
MAY 16, 2016
