NovaeSci

1 hour ago, Greymouser said:

That link doesn't work for me...

I've updated. It seems to have copied it in a weird way. It should work now

I just wanted to bring to people's attention that the OU is now offering an Integrated Masters in Physics (M06).

https://www.open.ac.uk/courses/physics/degrees/integrated-master-of-physics-m06

I think it looks epic! You can start Level 1 with a lot more flexibility:

The Basic Maths Start - MU123, MST124, MST125 and SM123;

The Standard Start - S111, MST124 and SM123;

Or the pathway that looks the best, and tackles a lot of students' requests who felt S111 was a waste of time, the Advanced Start - MST124, SM123, S283 and S284. This is what I'm going for, as it allows you to study the Level 2 Astronomy and Planetary Science modules, at Level 1, instead of S111.

You can also study all the Physics modules, as well as the Astro modules at Level 3; essentially, not leaving you with the dilemma on whether to study the Astrophysics module or the Cosmology module, due to only having 30 credits free choice. This is because the Level 3 30 credit Project, is replaced with a 60 credit Level 4 project.

Let me know what you all think. The link will explain what the course codes are for, in relation to the module
 

I'm basically looking for some Pop-Sci books in Astro and Cosmology. Sometimes your brain can get fried constantly learning the maths, then applying it the Astrophysical models. So, I'm just looking for some things to read on my work commutes that don't require me to get out a pencil and paper, or have to refer to other parts. Something that reads fluidly. I already own all of Brian Greene, Michio Kaku and Brian Cox's books, along with Origins by Neil DeGrasse Tyson (need to get his other books) but looking for more Astro based, compared to straight Physics.

Any recommendations? Something that's a fascinating read of course. Kind of like the series How the Universe Works, but in book format 

On 19/01/2021 at 19:51, Von said:

Hi Micheal,

sorry for my delay.

As said in the previous email I found UCLan fantastic..! The coursework intensify exponentially from level 4 to 6 but it normal.

Modules level 6 like "Extreme States of Matter" or "Cosmology & Relativity" require lots of maths and physics. Personally I enjoyed particularly the quantum mechanics (originally I have a BSc, MSc and PhD in Chemistry). Anyway the lecturers are amazing, very detailed feedbacks and ready to support you in each moment.

My transition from BSc to MSc was very enjoyable I never had problems in terms of subjects (i.e. maths, physics) is just the LJMU MSc organisation non-sense.

Again there is no feedback or a way to discuss your assessment...!!!.

On the top they don't provide any exam solutions, you need to work on that alone... 

Anyway is not my intention to discourage you but there are lots of better Uni than LJMU, just think before to apply or spend money 🙂

 

I never even noticed this response. I only noticed because I came back to re-read things, ha!

Regarding the maths at Level 3, how is the maths introduced for these modules, or did that require extra learning outside of the course? Just unsure if it's included in the modules, or you get pointed towards additional reading. Unless you're just assumed to know regardless, so could be quite the shock for students?

I'm looking forward to the Investigations in Astronomy and due to wanting to end up with a career of academia, I want to get as many opportunities to research as I can. Do you think this module is a good way to take away what you've learnt and apply it to your own topics of research you can study at home and publish on your own blog? I mean in the way that it gives you the tools on how to organise your research in to topics that may interest you and guide you to writing up an article about it. obviously nothing ground breaking, but always additional ammo to fill out your blog with academic material that you can point to at a later date when applying to grad school to show you are active. Obviously by the time you reach grad school, you will have a much more extensive knowledge base and research skills. But no harm in honing skills along the way.

With Liverpool, do you think it's just that at Master's level, they usually expect you to be more independent? Or do you think something just didn't sit right? I potentially want to progress on to a MSc by Research. That's another reason I chose this course over a Physics course: I know it Astro I want to aim for and I'd rather avoid hardly studying Astro for the next 6 years, then trying to cram it all in a year. I want to leave the BSc with extensive knowledge of Astrophysics and reasearch skills to be able to study the MSc by Research, as apposed to cramming a lot in to a taught masters. Plus, they cost like half the price, ha.

3 hours ago, beka said:

The maths in the article we had to review was not covered anywhere in the course but in retrospect I think it is a rather specialized area that is probably not covered in general undergraduate courses. It was to do with Velocity Ellipsoids and digging into that takes you into deeper mathematics like Tensors also not covered in the course. But it is stated that for Level 5 modules some independent work will be needed - I personally don't think this should put you off. For the "Energy Matter and the Universe" course the maths and physics required is covered in the course materials.

My favorite course is tough to say. I liked "Introduction to Cosmology" and next probably "Energy Matter and the Universe". Even "Sun Earth and Climate" which I was initially lukewarm towards because I thought it was least astronomy related, I ended up enjoying. 

All the best.

Thanks again for your insight and advice. It's been very helpful

All the best with your future studies.

6 hours ago, beka said:

Well, regarding how much physics and math you end up getting from the 'Energy, Matter and the Universe' course, while I am unfamiliar with the A level I have seen some of the International Baccalaureate (IB) courses my daughter had been doing which I understand are of a similar level. So the physics will be at the same kind of level as the IB Higher Level (there is also standard level), The mathematics though I believe might be on a slightly lower level than the IB Higher Level mathematics. In the 'Milky Way' course we had to review some papers and the mathematics in some of them was beyond the levels I had encountered in any of the courses.

On the texts books I can't say much as I did not use them. I mostly used the course notes and resources on the Internet as it is not very strait forward accessing them or purchasing them where I am. In fact I ended up purchasing the recommended texts only for the first two courses. Some of the others were available online in the UCLAN library, otherwise I made do with the course notes and other Internet resources - though it might not be ideal. My own opinion would be that some mathematics beyond that covered by the above course would be a great advantage - for example differential equations, probability and statistics etc. 

Finally in 'Investigations in Astronomy' you choose one from five or six topics to write up. I would agree that it gives a good foundation in scientific writing and research skill, my reservation was that you learn what your mistakes were when you receive your graded feedback and there is no further chance to correct these in a subsequent assignment - which might be significant if you are concerned about getting good grades.

Three courses a year is okay I think if you are not in a demanding full time job.

I hope this information is helpful.

Best

Regarding the mathematics in The Milky Way, did you get taught the maths need prior to, or along with, the course? Or do they expect you to teach yourself the suitable maths before you start studying? If so, is there any direction for this, or does it just come as a surprise? Regarding Energy, Matter and the Universe, does this course have all the physics and maths in the course notes, or did you find you had to look on the online library quite a lot?

Regarding grades, I believe in the UK, your final grade with the degree is only calculated from the Level 2 and Level 3 courses.

What would you say has been your favourite course as of yet? I'm excited to study Introduction to Cosmology.

1 hour ago, kirkster501 said:

Good to have your enthusiasm so go for it!  I can't comment on the course you outline but as a fifteen year remote study veteran in STEM subjects let me tell you this:  as others have said, that significant maths will be involved.  VERY significant as you advance.  It's then when your enthusiasm may wane, despite what you may think now in the glow of your initial excitement - I have seen this happen to many fellow students.  Maths comes into every STEM subject, it is all over the place in so many areas, areas where you'd think "How could maths be anything to do with it"?  But it does.  Py (i.e. 3.141) comes into almost everything!   You will spend many, many hours over very technical and detailed texts and books, stuck, and will have to work very hard at it.  This is the nature of advanced study so be prepared for this.

I have a BSc and MSc in electronic and computing/networking engineering, both done part time (my background is electrical) at Birmingham/Liverpool and Open Universities - all excellent.  However, they are a *huge* time commitment.  I mean HUGE and you need to be aware of this.  I did the first year of a part-time PhD too but abandoned it, the time commitment and research doing it part-time was almost impossible for me.  Maybe for you it will be different. 

Good luck whatever you decide to do.

I've always enjoyed maths and been quite a natural at it. I nearly went for the Mathematics and Physics degree at The Open Uni. I just chose this degree as I didn't fancy spending the next 6 years studying no Astro related modules. There is maths involved in the course, but I own KA Stroud's Engineering Mathematics, which I'm working through - I believe it takes you to the end of the second year in an Engineering degree. But I also own both the Mathematical Methods books by Boas and Riley, which I intend to go on to after Stroud's textbook. So I'm positive my maths will be up to par. I'm currently about to start learning Calculus. I'll most likely buy the Open University books on eBay as well. I intend to use the 4 month summer breaks (mid-May to mid-Sept) to learn new branches of maths. I kind of want to graduate this degree with a high level of mathematical competency. I'd like to do my dissertation on Black Holes or Dark Matter; however, this may change as I study more branches of Astrophysics. 

I'm lucky as I actually do have the time alongside my job. But I guess only time will tell. It's a joy for me studying Astronomy, so never feels like work.

9 hours ago, beka said:

I have completed 8 courses, currently on my ninth. Here is the list...

Introduction to Astronomy, Introduction to Cosmology, IT for Astronomy, Energy Matter and the Universe, Investigations in Astronomy, Sun Earth and Climate, Introduction to Astrobiology, The Milky Way and finally Ultraviolet, Optical and Infrared Astronomy. 

The last which I am currently doing. Some of them require the first two as a prerequisite. I have really enjoyed all them - the course materials are fantastic. The instructors when needed are responsive on the forums. I intend to go as far as I can to the extent my time and resources allow. 

Best

In 'Energy, Matter and the Universe', how much physics and maths do you end up learning? Is it mainly A-Level level, or does it go in to University level? I also hear it feels more like a 30 credit course, rather than 20 credits, if there is any truth in that? I have the recommended books 'Engineering Mathematics' and 'Principles of Physics', and I wondered how much does the course refer you to these books, along with how much of the books do they cover? Is it just selective parts, or does the module cover a great deal of info from the book?

One I'm interested in is 'Investigations in Astronomy'. Would you say this provides the student with a good foundation in scientific writing and research skills? What did you get a choice of doing as well?

I plan on doing 3 modules each year and possibly maybe studying the Dissertation in a year by itself. But that's a bit of a way off yet.

Thanks again for the response

2 hours ago, Ricochet said:

Have the university confirmed that gaining the astronomy degree will get you onto the astrophysics course? Astrophysics is very maths-heavy and I'm not sure astronomy will cover that aspect so you will want to study maths in addition, even if it is just to stop you forgetting what you currently know. 

I have no experience with those binoculars, but as I said in my previous post, I think they are probably a bit too cheap for roof prisms and generally porro prisms will outperform roof prisms at a similar price point. If you were instead looking at the Trailseeker ED binocular then it might be a different matter.

There is a Physics/Mathematics modules in the first year, and the last year is very heavily mathematics based, covering things like Advanced Astrophysics, Relativity and Cosmology. I'm already half way through K.A. Stroud's Engineering Mathematics and I have a selection of books from Boas, Riley, etc. on more advanced mathematics anyway. The KA Stroud mathematics book is what is used in the first year, alongside Principles of Physics.

I already did my research and many students have gone on in to PG Masters such as Physics, Astrophysics and even Theoretical Physics - even courses at Oxford and Cambridge. There are a fair few who have actually gone straight in to PhDs in the same fields, including Theoretical Physics. I will be filling in any maths, anyway. The courses I posted are just the basic ones. It's a pretty full on degree. The good thing is is that it is very focussed on scientific writing/essays, and provides around half a dozen modules that is based on research, so plenty of opportunities to learn how to research effectively to prepare you for PG study/research. I've actually read a few dissertations from past students and one was actually on the theory of General Relativity. From what I've spoken to past students about, the course would be better named an Astrophysics degree, due to Astronomy giving the impression it's just basic observational stuff. It's quite heavily grounded in theory. Astronomy and Astrophysics seems to pretty much be used interchangeably, these days.

I would actually like to go on to a MSc by Research after the degree, which Glasgow University do. But there are many opportunities around the UK. Cardiff, especially, seems to have a great Astrophysics/Cosmology department which are doing a lot of research in the areas I'd like to.

I guess I'll definitely learn a lot from this forum over the coming years  I'm actually starting a blog on my study journey, so hopefully may help future students to have a good idea of the course.

58 minutes ago, Ricochet said:

The second course talks about using/interpreting photographic data so if you want to use your own equipment for gathering that data you are probably looking at an outlay of at least a couple of thousand. Assuming that the standard astrophotography beginner's suggestion also applies here you would be looking at an equipment list that looks something like 

Skywatcher 130PDS, HEQ5, coma corrector and the type of camera required by your course. 

None of this is necessary for the first module and for learning the constellations a decent pair of binoculars is a good choice to help you learn your way around the sky. I would pay attention to the field of view that any pairs you consider have as an wide field of view will be an advantage here. I would probably be inclined to look at the 10x50 Opticron Adventurer T for a good quality but low cost option. 

If you then want to add a telescope for more detailed views then the 130pds could be used visually, either on a manual mount (AZ4, AZ5) or the HEQ5 if you think you will be investing in your own kit for this course. Remember that the course is designed for people with no kit, and that by capturing your own data you are heavily reliant on the weather, so you do not need to buy your own kit. If you do decide you will be buying any expensive gear for astrophotography make sure that you run it by your professor or tutor first. You don't want to spend all that money only to discover that you need something else. 

Well the Astronomy degree I'm mainly doing as a foundation for further study in Astrophysics. But I do definitely intend, after getting to know the night-sky pretty well, to upgrade to a telescope and start trying some Astro-Photography. I've already messaged Ayrshire and Glasgow Astronomical Societies regarding joining; however, with still being in this lockdown, nothing has really materialised yet. I will be spending many years studying and devoting all my time and effort in to it, so I know down the line I'm going to be spending in to the thousands of pounds on equipment. But, I guess that's a knowledge base I'll develop over the coming years. 

The binoculars you mentioned seem to be pretty well priced. I was originally looking at Celestron TrailSeeker 8x42 Binoculars, which are around £150, but has great reviews and meant to have a good field of vision.

The module which goes in to UV, Optical and IR Astronomy is below.

"In this module you will develop your understanding of techniques and processess that underlie astronomical observations. You will learn about the effects of the Earth’s atmosphere on observations, telescopes, the uses of photometry, and how detectors including CCD work.

You will also develop your skills in practical observing and simple data reduction, using your own equipment or commonly available resources from the Internet. Here you will carry out practical aspects of photometry and CCD imaging which will be written up as an assessed experimental report."

https://studyastronomy.com/dlastro/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/AA2053_2017.pdf

So the degree definitely provides a good grounding in the topic of observation. You also get multiple opportunities to make use of the telescope at Alston Observatory.

Hi all,

Thanks for your advice. The first module is just an Introduction to Astronomy. One of the topics covered half way through the module is in fact Telescopes; however, the first module is just a way to ease you in by giving you a basic overview of topics, in which will eventually go into much deeper detail over the course of the degree. There actually is a full module dedicated to UV, Optical and IR Astronomy. To quote a passage for the first exercise at the beginning of the module:

"The aim of this exercise is to introduce you to observing the night sky. First you will locate and recognise the prominent constellations using the naked eye. This will lead on to targets suitable for observing with binoculars or telescope, if you have them available."

So you don't actually need either at first. I'm just thinking binoculars will be a good addition to expand my knowledge of naked eye viewing. I'd eventually get a telescope, of course. The course is UCLAN's BSc (Hons) in Astronomy. The description of the first module says:

 "In this module you will study both observational and theoretical aspects of astronomy, including the night sky, telescopes, stars, stellar lifetimes and energy sources, galaxies and cosmology. You do not need to have your own telescope or binoculars to complete this module. 

This is the module we use to introduce students to the central ideas of astronomy at first year university level. It takes a quantitative scientific approach and you will need to use maths to solve problems from the outset."

https://studyastronomy.com/dlastro/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/AA1051_2017.pdf

I will definitely give Binocularsky a good read

On 02/10/2020 at 12:24, beka said:

Hi NovaeSci,

I am enrolled currently in the UCLAN BSc course. I would agree that it is excellent and challenging (the latter maybe because I am a MD). I can't say how well it will prepare you for the MSc and PhD levels. Regarding math you will need something a bit more than IGCSE level - some basic calculus is required even for the level one courses. If you wish to get the degree in a reasonable time you will need to do two or three courses a year. Part time I have found two courses a year my limit. 

Best

Hi Beka,

What courses have you completed/enrolled on, up to now? Just trying to get as much info; but, there doesn't seem to be many people to talk to about the course.

All the best,

Michael

Hi all,

I'm currently embarking on my Astronomy journey by studying a BSc in Astronomy. I've read in the course notes, that binoculars, are best for a beginner; so, I think before investing in a telescope, I'm considering binoculars - I feel they will be more practical to get to know the night sky, in more detail, to ease me in. Plus, all I need is binoculars, at most, for my first module.

What are a good set of all-around binoculars, for a beginner? I'm happy to spend up to £150 - maybe more depending. I'm not really all too familiar on prices; so, I'm hoping around that amount, can get me a good set?

Thanks in advance for your advice

Michael

EDIT: I forgot to add that I did some research and it seems 10x50 are the best for beginners; however, I've seen a review recommend the Celestron TrailSeeker 8x42 Binocular, as number one, for beginners, due to sharper and brighter images. Also, it's meant to provide a wider field of view. If anyone can chip in? (link below)

https://www.space.com/26021-best-binoculars.html

Hey all,

I've been on here for about a month, but only posted one topic. I thought would be good to introduce myself.

My name is Michael, I'm age 31; originally from Manchester, now living in Scotland. I'm currently embarking on a BSc in Astronomy. The hope is to finish it, then move on to a MSc, then a PhD - hopefully followed by Post-Grad Research. I may be able to bypass the MSc, but one step at a time, ha!

I've been interested in the Universe since school, but I'm sorry to say I don't have much practical experience in Astronomy; I have more theory knowledge. I am, however, willing to learn as much as I can, about the practical side.

Anyways all my best,

Michael

On 22/09/2020 at 16:06, michael.h.f.wilkinson said:

I will ask my colleagues at the Kapteyn Astronomical Institute in Groningen what they think of the course, if you like

Hi Michael,

That would be great to hear some feedback 

Thank you

On 21/12/2020 at 21:59, Von said:

Hi Michael,

I want to give a quick idea about both University since I have successfully completed the BSc (Hons) in Astronomy (UCLan) and MSc in Astrophysics (Ljmu).

You did the right choice with UCLan the staff is very professional, extremely well organised and always ready to support students. You will have detailed feedbacks helping you to improve the level. If you proceed you will see the difference between level 4 and level 6 but the staff is ready to help you with questions or doubts.

Unfortunately I can't say the same about Ljmu, the MSc in Astrophysics has been a massive disappointment. Despite I have enjoyed the subject, there is no support of any kind, no feedback of your exams, the staff doesn't give you any help. You have quick sessions of tutorials and that's all..!

There are strange rules on the exams, if you don't respect you will be eavily penalised. Most shocking the staff doesn't give any feedback so you have no idea with question is correct and which is not so the question is: could improve the level? Definitively no...!!!

Same process was applied for my MSc dissertation, got the final marking with no feedback. In addition is not a cheap MSc currently fees are increased...

I strongly don't recommend Ljmu avoid if you can is waste time and educationally useless..

Regards

Hi all,

Apologies for the late response. Thank you to all for your messages, it's greatly appreciated!

Von - you said you had done the BSc in Astronomy? Another reason which swayed me from the Open Uni is that most of it is textbook and exams, with not a lot of chances to practice academic writing and research skills as much as I'd like. How would you rate the BSc Astronomy in terms of the coursework they set and the research opportunity potential, etc? Did you get to pick your own Dissertation?

Also, regarding the Maths and Physics content, how much would you say there is compared to a Physics/Astrophysics degree? I hear that even though it's called a BSc in Astronomy, it would be more aptly named BSc in Astrophysics. What did you find you was lacking between the transition from BSc to MSc as well?

I'm sorry to hear about your experience with your MSc. I've been highly considering doing a MSc by Research in Astrophysics. That's why I'm hoping I can finish this degree with some good research skills under my belt.

Thanks again Von and to everyone else :)

Michael

Thanks for the advice  Is there a direct email address I should send my email to?

Hi all,

My first post here. I've done a search, but most post on UCLAN seem to be from years ago. I've enrolled on Introduction to Astronomy, with the intention of completing the whole BSc, moving on to a MSc in Astrophysics and then a PhD.

I'm curious if people rate this degree? I was originally going to the Open University Physics degree, but I felt there wasn't enough Astro-content. This one is packed full.

All the best,

Michael :D