Starting this fall 2020 semester, Arizona State University will be offering a new undergraduate degree in Astronomy and Planetary Science, 100% online. It is the world’s first accredited online undergraduate astronomy degree where students can explore planets, solar systems, and galaxies.
Offered by the School of Earth and Space Exploration through ASU Online, this degree will prepare students for K-12 teaching careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). This program is also designed for students interested in careers in technology and science journalism and writing, science, statistical data analysis, and computer programming. The world’s first accredited undergraduate astronomy degree is offered by Arizona State University. Image Credit: M.Alabado Download Full Image
“Our goal is to make exploration of our solar system and universe accessible and inclusive,” said Meenakshi Wadhwa, head of the school. “This online degree will not only provide students with more opportunities to learn about the latest discoveries in astronomy and planetary science from our professors and associate researchers in these fields but will also help students develop problem-solving skills. complex and critical ideas. and communications that will prepare them for a variety of careers. “
In the Astronomy, Planetary Science, Engineering Systems, and Astrophysics study programs with various options, students choose this degree based on their interests.
“We also hope that astronomy enthusiasts, who are often looking for lifelong learning opportunities, will be very interested in this degree,” said astronomer and astrophysicist Karen Knierman. “Courses like Introduction to Solar System Astronomy will cover topics such as exploring the constellations, moon phases, eclipses, our solar system, and other solar systems in our galaxy. “
Other faculties at ASU’s School of Earth and Space Exploration that will teach this degree include astrobiologist and chair Professor Ariel Anbar. He will teach about the habitable world, a course that will focus on what makes life on Earth and the search for life on other planets possible.
“I like students who have a transformational way of teaching science online,” said Anbar. “Students will formulate hypotheses based on data, test these hypotheses, and use what they learn in simulations and virtual visits.
Astrophysicist Nat Butler will teach systems engineering and experimental problem-solving courses in the spring semester of 2021 for this degree. This is an applied computing course that will help students use Python, a high-level and versatile programming language.
“We’re going to use some very interesting and very interactive resources to teach Python to students,” said Butler. And we will work together to analyze and interpret astronomical data.
Another interesting course offered for this degree by astrophysicist Frank Timmes. It will teach about energy and everyday life, explore the different aspects that energy can take, and focus on practicing the art of estimating.
“Students not only learn energy, but they will also learn to take large-scale problems and break them down into answers that make sense,” said Timmes. “After completing the course, students will have professional and refined abilities in predicting things that apply in everyday life.”
With this course and other courses offered as part of this degree program, students will have a unique opportunity to acquire scientific knowledge, communication and problem-solving skills, and the ability to use complex ideas in using data analysis techniques taught by experts in the field by using the latest tools and technology.
“We are pleased to offer this degree that will provide students with the necessary scientific principles and communicate the fundamentals of space exploration and ongoing developments in this field,” said Christopher Groppi, director of the School of Undergraduate Initiative Allied.
ASU Online supports university charters to make education accessible to anyone, anywhere. Through ASU Online, students can choose from over 200 programs offered 100% online by the country’s most innovative university. The ASU Online program uses more than 125 state-of-the-art tools and technologies to provide the best learning experience. This enables students to achieve their goals through a variety of basic services and support, including successful completion training, time management tools, and technical resources.
source : Arizona State University