UWA PLUS
Features of the Universe for Teachers
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
- Not being offered in 2024
- Duration
- 9 weeks
- Effort
- 50 hours
- Academic leads
- Professor Luca Cortese
- Dr Luke Davies
- Cost
- $400 inc. GST
- Critical information summary
- ASTRM401 - Critical information summary (PDF, 245KB)
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
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.
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.