UWA PLUS

Features of the Universe for Teachers ASTRM401

This micro-credential will take teachers on a journey through the cosmos.  Starting from how and why seasons occur on Earth, through how stars and galaxies form and evolve, to understanding how it all started with the Big Bang, you will learn about the wonders of the Universe and gain practical hands-on experience of performing astronomical observations.

Upon successful completion, you'll receive:

  • Two (2) PD Points
  • A Certificate of Achievement
  • A UWA Plus Professional Development Transcript, listing all successfully completed micro-credentials
Delivery mode
Combination of workshops, live online lectures, self-directed study and assessment preparation.
This micro-credential is taught by The University of Western Australia node of the International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research (ICRAR). For more information about ICRAR visit icrar.org
Course dates
24 March 2025 - 25 May 2025

Registrations close

17 March 2025

Duration
9 weeks
Effort
50 hours
Academic leads
Dr Luke Davies
Cost
$400 inc. GST
Discounts may apply - for details see the Apply section below.
Critical information summary
ASTRM401 - Critical information summary (PDF, 245KB)
Picture of the Universe 

What you'll learn

Explain predictable phenomena such as day/night, seasons, eclipses, phases of the moon and orbital paths

Describe the structure of the Sun and the lifecycle of a star in some detail

Discuss the evolution of the universe using evidence such as features of galaxies, and the big bang theory

Plan a class room observational campaign using the SPIRIT telescope

Notebook and a workspace 

Why study this course?

  • Gain a detailed understanding of the basics of astronomy and astrophysical processes, in-line with Western Australia's School Curriculum.
  • Enhance your understanding of science as a human endeavour; touching upon common misconceptions in astronomy and how to address them.
  • Be provided with the unique opportunity to learn how to use the SPIRIT optical telescope and plan teaching activities with your students.

 

Who should study this course?

This micro-credential will appeal to Secondary School teachers interested in expanding their knowledge in the key concepts of astronomy and astrophysics required by Western Australia's School Curriculum and Standard Authority of Level 7 to 12.

 

How does it work?

A combination of live/on-line lectures and workshops implementing activity-based teaching practices with students and reporting outcomes for assessment.

 

 What's next after this course?

This micro-credential is worth 2 Professional Development Points and stackable with other micro-credentials (to total 6 Professional Development Points) for unspecified academic credit towards a relevant course at UWA.

Apply

Applications are open.

  • If you are a teacher working at a school with an ICSEA above 1100 please click here to register and pay for this micro-credential by selecting the option -  ASTRM401 Features of the Universe for Teachers [MC-3Q] (ICSEA above 1100)
  • If you are teacher working at a school with an ICSEA between 900-1100, please click here to register and pay for this micro-credential by selecting the option -  ASTRM401 Features of the Universe for Teachers [MC-3Q - PREPAYNA50] (ICSEA 900-1100))
  •  If you are teacher working at a school with an ICSEA below 900, please click here to reserve your free registration.
  • If your School is a UWA+ Starter Partner, please click here to register and pay for this micro-credential by selecting the option ASTRM401 Features of the Universe for Teachers [MC-3Q PREPAYNA10] (Starter Partner)