FYS-6001 Astronomy for teachers - 10 stp

This course is reserved for teachers who meet the admission requirements. The subject is not available as a singular course. There are 28 study places that are distributed equally between Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Finland.

The students must have good computer skills for using software provided during the course. Course participants must have their own laptop with Windows where they are able to install software for, during and after the gathering.

Course participants will go through theoretical and practical activities based on the following subjects: the solar system structure, the scientific method, electromagnetic radiation, classification evolution of stars, distances in the universe, cosmology and life in the universe. The course is very practical orientated with focus in understanding the celestial sky by using own observations and remote telescopes.

The academic content of "Astronomy" can be linked to the teaching plan (LK06) for primary school, in the following areas: "Radiation and Radioactivity" in Vg1, "Astrophysics" from Fysikk 1 in Vg2, "Phenomena and substances" in middle school levels and "Scientist spirit" in science.

Teacher education (primary school teacher, general educator or lecturer with practical pedagogical education), or a bachelor's degree with a minimum of 30 ECTS credits in science and a minimum of 3 years working experience teaching sciences.

Apply here: EVU-web

Knowledge - The student:

• know the structure of the solar system.
• know the scientific method.
• know the electromagnetic spectrum, and how it gives us information about the objects in the universe.
• know what stars are, how they are built up and know the life cycle of different stars.
• know the models of the universe's formation; its composition, and how we measure distances in the universe.
• know how we are looking for life in the universe.

Skills - The student can:

• use online resources and external telescopes in their own teaching.
• orientate themselves on the starry sky and be able to identify single constellations and objects like the moon, planets and relevant nebulae (galaxies, globular clusters, stellar formation regions).
• use a telescope.

General competence - The student:

• has insight into relevant professional and occupational issues.
• can communicate central subjects such as theories, issues and solutions, both writing, verbally and through other relevant expressions.
• presents understanding of key areas related to the research of the subject.
• can explain the concepts, theories and methods in the subject.

Flexible teaching using distance learning as well as intensive teaching during the gathering, which lasts four days on Andøya Space Senter. The gathering will be 13. to 16. of November 2018.

Activities: lectures, obligatory assignments pre-gathering, field tasks and activities during gathering, field report after the gathering.

Final 4 weeks take-home examination counting 100%. Assessment scale: Letter grades A-F.

Re-sit examination (section 22): Students having failed the last ordinary examination are offered a re-sit examination early in the following semester. 4 weeks written home examination counting 100 %.

Postponed examination (sections 17 and 21): Students with valid grounds may subject to a written application including documentation of theses grounds be admitted an extended deadline for a submission. When the stipulated examination time is more than two weeks, the submission deadline may be extended by up to two days.

Students who still do not manage to complete the examination in spite of the extra time have the right to a re-scheduled examination in accordance with Section 21. Postponed written examination is held early in the following semester.

See indicated sections in Regulations for examinations at the UiT The arctic university of Norway for more information.

Coursework requirements: There are three mandatory assignments during the course, a home-assignments, field report and participation in the gathering. Access to the final examination requires passing the mandatory assignments.