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Learner Reviews & Feedback for AstroTech: The Science and Technology behind Astronomical Discovery by The University of Edinburgh

4.7
stars
1,142 ratings

About the Course

"How do they know that?" Modern astronomy has made some astonishing discoveries - how stars burn and how black holes form; galaxies from the edge of the universe and killer rocks right next door; where the elements come from and how the expanding universe is accelerating. But how do we know all that? The truth is that astronomy would be impossible without technology, and every advance in astronomy is really an advance in technology. But the technology by itself is not enough. We have to apply it critically with a knowledge of physics to unlock the secrets of the Universe. Each week we will cover a different aspect of Astronomical technology, matching each piece of technology to a highlight science result. We will explain how the technology works, how it has allowed us to collect astronomical data, and, with some basic physics, how we interpret the data to make scientific discoveries. The class will consist of video lectures, weekly quizzes, and discussion forums. Each week there will be five videos, totalling approximately 40 minutes. They will be in a regular pattern - a short introduction, an example science story, an explanation of the key technology area, a look at how the technology is used in practice, and finally a look at what the future may hold....

Top reviews

EM

Jun 7, 2020

After completing the course, I was able to understand better some concepts in astronomy such as dark matter and dark energy as well as the technologies that helped uncover more truths in our universe.

BJ

Sep 22, 2020

The course was amazing especially when the instructor was explaining by using experiment instruments above all the way the instructors has taught me has completely made me understand the concepts.

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276 - 300 of 316 Reviews for AstroTech: The Science and Technology behind Astronomical Discovery

By Russell L

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Jul 2, 2021

Excellent course but perhaps could be improved with a bit more formulas and calculations examples. I enjoyed it and though I've taken many astronomy courses this course provided additional insight that I haven't learned previously. Thanks.

By Abhay B

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Aug 4, 2019

This is a very good course which provides enough insights into Astronomy and the technologies, efforts which go unwatched behind it. It would be much better if we could learn some more insights by adding one week more into the syllabus.

By Natalie G

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Sep 27, 2022

Great course, thankyou Andy and Catherine, Im interested to read your theory on gravity Catherine. Do you both have a blog or social media so I can follow you? Did you observe Jupitar last night? Thanks, Nat

By ANTONIO R R

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Feb 24, 2023

He encontrado el curso muy interesante e instructivo. Especialmente porque explica muy bien como funcionan instrumentos y formulas que son más prácticas que la teoría de otros. Gracias por el curso.

By Laveena M

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Jun 2, 2020

The course is thought provoking and provides a technological update in the field of astronomy.

If there is any other updates from 2014, it would be great to update them in the course material.

By Dimitris S

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Feb 17, 2021

A short but quite interesting course gives exactly what its title infers the technology behind astronomy. It could be enriched, nevertheless, it is recommended for a fresh start.

By MichCak

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Oct 23, 2020

Delivers what it promises. I was surprised that presentations made no use of 21st century technologies, no animations, no visualizations, for instance, just pen and paper.

By Richard E

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Jan 2, 2019

The professors were clear and well-articulated. It might have been my expectations but I had hoped for a deeper dive into the technology and more use of Math & Physics.

By Naresh K

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Aug 5, 2020

It is a great course for beginners......And for undergraduates like me, its good to enter into the field of Astronomical observations and refresh some concepts.

By Shedeur P

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Aug 1, 2019

Really REALLY enjoyed it! Just needs to utilize some animations but I loved it. Would make me consider applying for a Masters at University of Edinburgh

By Manuel E

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Jun 12, 2022

too much technical information in such a little presentation, this was actually an advanced course, more examples would have helped, too superficial

By Joanna P

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Sep 28, 2020

Excellent course. Lecturers extremely knowledgeable and communicated very well. Good to finally understand a little better how spectroscopy works.

By Aravind R

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Jul 4, 2017

Very interesting course serving as a good culmination point of technology and astronomy. Great for beginners on astronomy with a tech background.

By Anushka G

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May 3, 2022

Great insight on the importance of technological advancements for further in-depth knowledge about space and all things in it!

By Mano M

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May 10, 2020

Great Course .....Lovely way of presentation.......Liked it a lot !!!!!

Technological aspects of astronomy explained very well.

By Peter G

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Mar 3, 2017

Really interesting material and well presented in digestible chunks by a pair of engaging professionals in the field.

By C S K

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Sep 19, 2019

Please start an even more advanced course which uses and teaches the required math and its further applications

By Ethan

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Apr 3, 2017

Very well instructed and the videos are nice and short. Perfect as a side project or on the go learning.

By Dominic S

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Aug 22, 2024

It kept my interest although I did find it a little wide. But Glad I took this course.

By Shivangi G

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May 16, 2020

Very satisfied course, professors teach very well about technology use in astronomy.

By Brian T

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May 4, 2020

Very well done! I enjoyed the instructor's presentation and enthusiasm.

By marko t

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Jan 30, 2018

Very useful course about astronomy and discovery of universe.

By ADITYA R K

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Jul 22, 2020

It is a very informative course for those who love astronomy

By Jonathan S

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Jul 13, 2021

more difficult than expected but nevertheless interessting

By Maria M

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Aug 13, 2020

I had a lot of information and amazing understanding