Precursor in distanc teaching - via on-line training monitored by astronomers or via many other numerical freely available on-line (web sites, software tools) - the Paris Observatory is launching its fifth MOOC
The FUN offer is thus enriched by a new subject : « Measuring the Universe ».
A teaser is already accessible on the FUN.
Course program
-
What is the basis of the reasoning which has led to our current knowledge of the Universe ? This MOOC sets up the various techniques used by astrophysicists to measure the the distances between the various parts of the Universe.
The course will introduce the concepts of astrometry, of reference systems, of celestial mechanics and the measurement of time : all these concepts are essential for measuring the Universe.
The program will occupy five weeks :
Week 1 : Astrometry, Observations and Distances.
Week 2 : The celestial spherer and reference systems.
Semaine 3 : Ephemeris, celestial mechanics and astronomical phenomena.
Semaine 4 : Civil time.
Semaine 5 : Physical time.
This MOOC does not deliver a certificate, but a document attesting that the participant has followed the entire course.
Each week, there is a test to evaluate the knowledge which has been acquired. A discussion forum enables all to contact directly the teaching team.
L’équipe pédagogique du MOOC
The origin of this MOOC
It is the fruit of work done by a pedagogic team from the Unité de Formation et d’Enseignement (UFE - Teaching and Training Unit) of the Paris Observatory composed of astronomer astronomers and researcher-teachers.
The technical realization was done by engineers from the TICE unit of the UFE.
The MOOC was financed in part by Paris Universitya Sciences et Lettres, of which the Paris Observatory is a founding member.