Essential Information
Type | Courses |
---|---|
Location |
Royal Observatory
|
Date and Times | 10-week modules on Tuesdays, 18:30-21:00 | See dates below |
Prices | £200 per module |
Our Foundation Astrophysics programme provides people with the opportunity to study a number of topics in astronomy at foundation degree level, without the costs associated with accreditation or the pressure of examinations. These courses require knowledge of basic science and algebra.
While not formally accredited, students are assessed through coursework and receive certificates of achievement from the Royal Observatory Greenwich on the completion of all modules. There are six ten-week modules in the programme, which do not have to be studied in order. Each module runs on consecutive Tuesdays with gaps during holidays (details below).
Note: Each course is intended to be run on-site at the Royal Observatory Greenwich, although occasional online sessions may become necessary in rare circumstances. Please only book if you are certain you will be able to attend an on-site course.
The modules running for the 2024/25 academic year are:
Module 1: Planetary Science
This first module offers an introduction to planetary science, exploring current scientific theories on the formation and evolution of the Solar System, the structure of the planets and the processes that continue to shape their surfaces to this day. We try to explain why there are two such different types of planets. There’s also time to glance at some of the moons and probe types of atmospheres.
- 17th September - 26th November 2024
- Holiday: 29th October 2024
- Price: £200
Module 2: Exoplanets and Astrobiology
We explore the scientific techniques used in the discovery of exoplanets and the nature of the planetary systems discovered so far. The module then delves into the origin of life on Earth. This has implications for life and the search for it elsewhere in the Solar System and on planets orbiting distant stars. We don’t neglect SETI.
- 3rd December 2024 - 4th March 2025
- Holiday: 17th - 31st December 2024 and 18th February 2025
- Price: £200
Module 3: Solar Physics
This is an introduction to solar physics, exploring our current understanding of the formation, evolution and behaviour of the Sun. Thus, we cover the basic astrophysical principles upon which our understanding relies. Our Sun is the only star, which we can study in such detail.
- 11th March - 27th May 2025
- Holiday: 8th - 15th April 2025
- Price: £200
Ages: 18+
Everyone taking a course at the Royal Observatory is entitled to a 10% discount for books purchased from Royal Museums Greenwich - please check with your course tutor for more details!
A well organised course. Roger is an excellent tutor
Course taker autumn 2022