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Graduate Certificate of Science (Astronomy) 

S048

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Online

Online

Postgraduate

6 months full-time or 1 year part-time

Feb, Aug

The Graduate Certificate of Science (Astronomy) comprises four units of study in astronomy which are undertaken online.

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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.


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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.


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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.


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Choose four units of study from the following:
Semester 1
HET602 Exploring the Solar System
HET603 Exploring Stars and the Milky Way
HET620 Planetary Science  (not offered in 2013, offered in semester 1, 2014)
 
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 or refer to: http://astronomy.swin.edu.au/sao/prospective/units.xml


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This program is available to students who have a recognised tertiary qualification (or approved equivalent).  Applicants not holding a relevant tertiary qualification, but with substantial relevant experience may be admitted to the Graduate Certificate of Science (Astronomy), and can transfer to a higher degree within the nested program upon obtaining at least a credit average in the Graduate Certificate of Science (Astronomy), subject to the approval of the Program Coordinator.
 
Students who have successfully completed the Graduate Certificate of Science (Astronomy) may apply to progress to the Graduate Diploma of Science (Astronomy).  Students who have successfully completed the Graduate Diploma of Science (Astronomy) may apply to progress to the Master of Science (Astronomy).

Students are expected to be computer literate and to have internet access outside of Swinburne.


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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// 


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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


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The total tuition fee is dependent upon the combination of units of study selected by the student. Fees are reviewed each year.

For information about Swinburne's fees visit: www.swinburne.edu.au/fees
 


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Application forms can be downloaded from the website at: http://www.swinburne.edu.au/postgrad/apply/


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Tel: 1300 ASK SWIN (1300 275 794)


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