Swinburne University of Technology - Melbourne Australia
Future Students - Courses
Course Description:
The Graduate Certificate of Science (Astronomy) is part of a nested suite of programs which includes the Graduate Diploma of Science (Astronomy) and Master of Science (Astronomy) with different entry points depending upon previous academic studies and work experience. This program covers the fundamental concepts and ‘big questions’ of modern astronomy, in order to equip students with a good overall understanding and general knowledge about modern astronomy, rather than training as a professional astronomer. The graduate certificate program provides units of study suitable for members of the general public who wish to obtain an overview of astronomy without necessarily proceeding further, with the option to continue to more advanced units of study and qualifications.
Aims & Objectives:
The aim of the graduate certificate program is to provide both general-interest units of study - emphasising conceptual astronomy and forming a general introduction to the field - plus units that involve a more detailed study of aspects of modern astronomy and assume familiarity with introductory, tertiary-level mathematics and physics.
Course Structure:
The graduate certificate requires the completion of four units of study for a total of 50 credit points. Each unit has a value of 12.5 credit points. There are no traditional formal contact hours involving lectures, tutorials, laboratories etc. However, students will be required to work through the course material (supplied on CD-ROM or via the internet), undertake required readings from textbooks and the internet, contribute regularly to assessable asynchronous newsgroup discussions, as well as undertake assignments and project work. The equivalent student contact hours for each unit of study is five hours per week during academic semesters. After successful completion of the graduate certificate, students may exit at this point with a Graduate Certificate of Science (Astronomy), or progress to the graduate diploma and master levels.
Units of Study:
Choose four units of study from the following: Semester 1 HET602 Exploring the Solar System HET603 Exploring Stars and the Milky Way HET604 Galaxies and Their Place in the Universe HET605 Cosmology and the Large-scale Structure of the Universe HET607 History of Astronomy HET609 Astrophotography and CCD Imaging HET610 Studies in Space Exploration HET611 Stellar Astrophysics HET612 Major Project: History of Astronomy HET618 Astrobiology and the Origins of Life Semester 2 HET602 Exploring the Solar System HET603 Exploring Stars and the Milky Way HET604 Galaxies and Their Place in the Universe HET606 Tools of Modern Astronomy HET607 History of Astronomy HET608 Introductory Radio Astronomy and SETI HET612 Major Project: History of Astronomy HET614 Introduction to Particle Physics and High Energy Astrophysics * HET615 Major Project: Observational Astronomy HET616 Great Debates in Astronomy* HET617 Major Project: Computational Astrophysics Note: not all of the above units will be offered every semester. Electives will usually be offered subject to satisfactory enrolment numbers. Students should contact the faculty administration office to obtain further information about unit offerings. * Offered for the last time in Semester 2, 2009.
Entry Requirements:
Admission is normally restricted to applicants with a recognised tertiary qualification or substantial relevant experience. Where background experience in, or knowledge of, astronomy is to be taken into account, the selection process may include an interview by telephone to establish your level of experience in or knowledge of astronomy. Applicants without a tertiary qualification may be admitted at this level of the astronomy online nested program but in order to progress into a higher level program you must obtain at least a credit average in the graduate certificate. You are expected to be computer literate and to have internet access outside of Swinburne.
Credit Transfer:
Applicants with prior tertiary studies that satisfy part of the academic requirements of this program may be granted ‘credit’ and/or entry into the program with ‘advanced standing’. University policies apply and applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis. For further information refer to ‘Swinburne Pathways: Credit Transfer Guide’ at: http://www.swinburne.edu.au/corporate/marketing/pathways//
Recognition of Prior Learning:
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process where a student may be granted credit or partial credit towards a qualification in recognition of skills and knowledge gained through work experience, life experience and/or formal training. Further details for students considering Higher Education courses: http://www.swin.edu.au/corporate/registrar/ppd/files/stuinf.htm
Course Fees:
In 2009, tuition fees for this program are based on $1150 per 12.5 credit point unit of study. In the event that a unit of study is derived from another program, the applicable fee will be that of the other program. All fees are reviewed each year and may increase without notice. The Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) is a suite of income-contingent loans for Australian citizens and holders of Australian permanent humanitarian visas. FEE-HELP (previously PELS) is available to eligible fee-paying undergraduate and postgraduate students. It provides students with a loan to cover their tuition fees (lifetime maximum $83,313 from 1 January 2009). The FEE-HELP limit is indexed on 1 January each year. Note: New Zealand citizens and holders of other Australian permanent resident visas do not have access to HELP loans. These students must pay their student contributions or tuition fees up front without a discount. For further information on your support and study options visit the 'Going to Uni' website at: www.goingtouni.gov.au
Application Procedure:
Applications are available on the Swinburne Astronomy Online website.
Further information:
Web: Enquire online Tel: 1300 ASK SWIN (1300 275 794) Email: postgrad@swinburne.edu.au
