Introduction to Astronomy Sciences & the Environment Program Spring 2023 Semester - Cape Town

The course introduces students to the subject of Astronomy and our place in the universe from the small scales of the Earth-Sun-Moon system to the large scales of distant galaxies. It aims to provide insight into how we study astrophysical objects via EM radiation and telescopes (theory) as well as providing a high-level overview of objects in the universe, moving outwards from our solar system, to stars and stellar remnants, our galaxy and others, dark matter and cosmology, and the study of the universe at the largest scales. The course is open to all interested students as well as providing a solid introduction to those wishing to continue in astrophysics.
Two sessions are held in the Planetarium of Iziko Museums of Cape Town, plus five tutorial sessions and five practical sessions.

DP requirements: Satisfactory attendance at lectures and compulsory attendance at Wednesday afternoon sessions and submission of bi-weekly problem sets; class record of at least 35%.

Assessment: Class record: 50%, June examination 2 hours: 50%. Sub-minimum: 40% for final examination.

The University of Cape Town awards credits based on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) to determine course and contact hour recommendations per course. 1 NQF credit represents roughly 10 notional hours of work which includes study time, assignments and examinations. Notional hours may very per courses depending on the course level and modality therefore, CEA recommends using NQF credits as a basis to determine U.S. equivalencies (1 NQF=.222 semester credits)