Introduction to astronomy University of Cambridge

Overview

This Introduction to astronomy course offered by University of Cambridge will provide a framework, in this present golden era of astronomy, within which you may better understand the science of astronomy encountered on multimedia, and to place into context the importance of new discoveries.

In this introductory course, in order to give full justice to the cosmic wonders that surround you, we shall view the components of our island universe, the Milky Way, starting outwards from our favourite star, passing the asteroids and planets of our small corner of the Universe, and beyond into the wider stellar neighbourhood. Taking in cosmic wonders of our Galaxy along the way, from the gentle birth of stars to their cataclysmic demise, the dizzying rotations of super-dense pulsars, to the most violent of all events as we witness the birth scream of black holes.

By studying this week, the students should have: 

• become familiar with navigating around the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) and from VLE to links and back
• test your ability to access files and the web conferencing software and sort out any problems with the help of the Technology Enhanced Learning team
• learn how to look for, assess and reference internet resources
• contribute to a discussion forum to introduce yourself to other students and discuss why you are interested in the course and what you hope to get out of your studies