This course is offered in online mode only.
This course is an introduction to astronomy and space. It will introduce you to cutting-edge knowledge about our universe and modern space exploration. No previous knowledge of astronomy, physics or maths is required. The course is purely online and self-paced and can be done from anywhere in the world.
Topics covered are:
- Indigenous Astronomy.
- The Sun and Stars.
- Planets in our solar system.
- Spaceflight, space economics, space engineering, space law and space medicine
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Appreciate and communicate traditional Indigenous understandings of astronomy.
- Apply astronomical research techniques and the scientific method to conceptually solve astronomical puzzles.
- Understand and communicate the nature and origins of the Sun, stars and our solar system.
- Identify and communicate the ways in which space technology can and will affect the modern and future world.
- Work collaboratively to apply indigenous knowledge and knowledge from multiple disciplines to complex and contested issues.
Other Information
The course is purely online and can be taken from anywhere in the world. Students must be able to use a computer. The course is asynchronous - there are no specific scheduled times for classes, and students can do the work at whatever times suit them. Weekly deadlines help students work steadily through the course.
We offer optional in-person or video drop-in sessions where students can get help with any part of the course, as well as a discussion forum.
This is one of two first-year courses in astronomy and astrophysics, the other is ASTR1001 Astrophysics. The two courses do not overlap. You can do either course separately, or both, and if you do both you can take them in any order, or both at once. ASTR1001 requires a high-school background-level of knowledge of physics and maths, while this course does not assume any prior knowledge.
Indicative Assessment
- Weekly Homework (40) [LO 1,2,3,4]
- Final Online Exams (40) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
- Groupwork Projects (20) [LO 1,5]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
The expected workload will consist of approximately 130 hours throughout the semester including:
- 40 hours of video lectures (many short 5-10 minute videos, with text as an alternative for those who prefer reading)
- Approximately 90 hours of self directed study which will include preparation for lectures, homework and other assessment tasks.
Inherent Requirements
No specific inherent requirements have been identified for this course.
Prescribed Texts
No prescribed tests are required: all necessary notes are provided.
Preliminary Reading
Students can optionally use the free online textbook at https://openstax.org/details/books/astronomy
Assumed Knowledge
No prior knowledge is assumed.
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 2
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $4680 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $6720 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
Summer Session
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1333 | 01 Jan 2025 | 27 Jan 2025 | 31 Jan 2025 | 16 Feb 2025 | Online | View |
First Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3256 | 17 Feb 2025 | 24 Feb 2025 | 31 Mar 2025 | 23 May 2025 | Online | View |
Winter Session
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6358 | 01 Jul 2025 | 11 Jul 2025 | 11 Jul 2025 | 20 Jul 2025 | Online | N/A |
Second Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8262 | 21 Jul 2025 | 28 Jul 2025 | 31 Aug 2025 | 24 Oct 2025 | Online | N/A |