Description
This qualification is only available until 31 December 2017.
To claim this qualification, you must have completed the required 60 credits by this date.
If you have any questions about your eligibility for this qualification please contact the Centre for Qualifications and Ceremonies on +44(0) 1908 653003 or by email.
If you’re fascinated by astronomy and planetary science, this certificate course provides a good basic introduction and equips you with the skills for further study. In the first module you’ll investigate the stars and their life cycles; galaxies and quasars; and the origin and evolution of the universe – and how it might continue to evolve in the future. In the second and final module, you’ll look at the exploration of the solar system by spacecraft; planetary processes such as volcanism and impacts; the structure of planets and their atmospheres; and asteroids, comets and meteorites. The Certificate in Astronomy and Planetary Science is endorsed by the Royal Astronomical Society.
Planning your studies
This is a Level 2 certificate. We recommend that you study it only after you have successfully completed the appropriate Level 1 modules, or have obtained the equivalent knowledge elsewhere.
The Level 1 modules Exploring science (S104) and Investigative and mathematical skills in science (S141) both now discontinued, would be ideal preparation for this certificate, but the credits you gain cannot be counted towards this qualification.
For more information on the background and experience you need before studying for this certificate, you should look at the module descriptions.
You should note that the University’s unique study rule applies to this qualification. This means that you must include at least 20 credits from OU modules that have not been counted in any other OU qualification that has previously been awarded to you.
Modules
For this certificate you require:
60 credits from the following compulsory modules:
Level 2 compulsory modules |
Credits |
Next start |
- Astronomy (S282)
|
30 |
|
- Planetary science and the search for life (S283)
|
30 |
|
Learning outcomes
The learning outcomes of this qualification are described in four areas:
- Knowledge and understanding
- Cognitive skills
- Practical and professional skills
- Key skills
Read more detailed information about the learning outcomes, and how they are acquired through teaching, learning and assessment methods.
Credit for previous study elsewhere
For this qualification, we do not allow you to count credit for study you have already done elsewhere.
On completion
On successful completion of the required modules you will be awarded a Certificate in Astronomy and Planetary Science, which is endorsed by the Royal Astronomical Society.
Regulations
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the qualification-specific regulations below and the academic regulations that are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website.
How to register
If you want to study for this qualification, read the description and check you meet any specific requirements (for example, some of
our qualifications, require you to be working in a particular environment, or be sponsored by your employer). Then select the
module you wish to study first and ensure it is suitable for you before following the registration procedure for that module.
During the registration procedure you will be asked to declare which qualification you are studying towards.
See a full list of modules available for this qualification