About
Bachelor of Science in Astronomy Technology
OVERVIEW
The study of astronomy has ancient root. It is one of the most fascinating fields of study that has captured the interest of a growing number of young people in the Philippines. Astronomy has the power to kindle scientific interest in anybody who has the opportunity to get initiated in its beauty. Knowledge comes through the telescope. Astronomy is now one of the most rapidly advancing subjects in modern science. It is the study of the Universe and the objects in it: the planets, stars, black holes, galaxies and quasars. Each of these is a fascinating topic. Astronomy gathers them all in one rich and coherent picture. It depicts the origin and evolution of all things from the Big Bang to the development of living organisms.
The study of the Philippines is far behind those in other countries. While recent advances in astronomy have been rapidly derived from technological advances in instruments that yield unprecedented power, such as telescopes with 10-meter mirrors, orbiting satellite observatories, deep space missions to sample planetary atmospheres and surfaces, and huge laboratories for detection of elusive cosmic neutrinos and gravity waves, the Philippines has to content herself with 450-mm telescope installed in the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (DOST-PAGASA) Observatory in UP Diliman and several small telescopes owned by amateur astronomers. Knowledge in astronomy in the Philippines is limited to a few chapters in elementary, high school, and collegiate science textbooks which are sometimes woefully behind or contains inaccurate information.
For this reason, it is high time that we introduce astronomy to younger people who will make science and technology their lifetime careers.
THE BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN ASTRONOMY TECHNOLOGY COURSE
Astronomy draws from, and contributes to, many fields of knowledge. It is inextricably related to engineering, geology, remote sensing, physics, atmospheric and environmental science, biology and biochemistry, and even philosophy and entrepreneurship. The powerful desire of astronomers to teach what they know and have discovered results into a partnership between astronomy and education.
We cross-fertilized these inter-related fields in the BS in Astronomy Technology course. The course we designed is customized to be wide in scope. Research and observation will be given priority, to push the frontiers of knowledge of these fields at least in the Philippines for the meanwhile.
We have faithfully complied with the CHED mandated general education subjects to ensure the fullest development of the students as human beings and citizens of the Republic.
VENUE
The academic subjects will be held in the RTU Mandaluyong Campus. The subjects in observational astronomy and research will be brought to the Baras Campus which has darker skies.
EMPLOYMENT OF GRADUATES
One of the most important considerations for the course is the employ-ability of graduates. Upon consultations with entrepreneurs, scientists, engineers, and business experts, we are satisfied that the future graduates of the course will have plenty of opportunities to apply their knowledge directly in scientific careers in government agencies or universities. The degree will give the graduates the scientific knowledge, an extensive knowledge in communications and computers, management skills, teaching skills, and take such knowledge for employment in many fields or to develop new innovations and exploit them to create new business.
BS ASTRONOMY TECHNOLOGY CURRICULUM
The curriculum was designed by astronomers and scientists from PAGASA and by specialists from the RTU. The course shall be administered by the RTU in cooperation with the PAGASA and the National Committee for Astronomy of the International Astronomical Union based in PAGASA.
OVERVIEW
The study of astronomy has ancient root. It is one of the most fascinating fields of study that has captured the interest of a growing number of young people in the Philippines. Astronomy has the power to kindle scientific interest in anybody who has the opportunity to get initiated in its beauty. Knowledge comes through the telescope. Astronomy is now one of the most rapidly advancing subjects in modern science. It is the study of the Universe and the objects in it: the planets, stars, black holes, galaxies and quasars. Each of these is a fascinating topic. Astronomy gathers them all in one rich and coherent picture. It depicts the origin and evolution of all things from the Big Bang to the development of living organisms.
The study of the Philippines is far behind those in other countries. While recent advances in astronomy have been rapidly derived from technological advances in instruments that yield unprecedented power, such as telescopes with 10-meter mirrors, orbiting satellite observatories, deep space missions to sample planetary atmospheres and surfaces, and huge laboratories for detection of elusive cosmic neutrinos and gravity waves, the Philippines has to content herself with 450-mm telescope installed in the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (DOST-PAGASA) Observatory in UP Diliman and several small telescopes owned by amateur astronomers. Knowledge in astronomy in the Philippines is limited to a few chapters in elementary, high school, and collegiate science textbooks which are sometimes woefully behind or contains inaccurate information.
For this reason, it is high time that we introduce astronomy to younger people who will make science and technology their lifetime careers.
THE BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN ASTRONOMY TECHNOLOGY COURSE
Astronomy draws from, and contributes to, many fields of knowledge. It is inextricably related to engineering, geology, remote sensing, physics, atmospheric and environmental science, biology and biochemistry, and even philosophy and entrepreneurship. The powerful desire of astronomers to teach what they know and have discovered results into a partnership between astronomy and education.
We cross-fertilized these inter-related fields in the BS in Astronomy Technology course. The course we designed is customized to be wide in scope. Research and observation will be given priority, to push the frontiers of knowledge of these fields at least in the Philippines for the meanwhile.
We have faithfully complied with the CHED mandated general education subjects to ensure the fullest development of the students as human beings and citizens of the Republic.
VENUE
The academic subjects will be held in the RTU Mandaluyong Campus. The subjects in observational astronomy and research will be brought to the Baras Campus which has darker skies.
EMPLOYMENT OF GRADUATES
One of the most important considerations for the course is the employ-ability of graduates. Upon consultations with entrepreneurs, scientists, engineers, and business experts, we are satisfied that the future graduates of the course will have plenty of opportunities to apply their knowledge directly in scientific careers in government agencies or universities. The degree will give the graduates the scientific knowledge, an extensive knowledge in communications and computers, management skills, teaching skills, and take such knowledge for employment in many fields or to develop new innovations and exploit them to create new business.
BS ASTRONOMY TECHNOLOGY CURRICULUM
The curriculum was designed by astronomers and scientists from PAGASA and by specialists from the RTU. The course shall be administered by the RTU in cooperation with the PAGASA and the National Committee for Astronomy of the International Astronomical Union based in PAGASA.
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Master of Science in Astronomy
OVERVIEW
The Master of Science in Astronomy course was conceived by Dr. Florentino Tesoro; former Office-in-Charge of PAGASA and by Dr. Bernardo M. Soriano Jr., Chief of the Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Space Sciences Bureau of PAGASA sometime in 2004 astronomy research in the RTU has reached a significant level. Through the initiative of Dr. Soriano, who was then the Chairman of Division XII (Division of Earth Sciences) of the National Research Council of the Philippines, the name of said Division was amended to Division of Earth and Space Sciences in recognition of the recent accelerated progress in the field of astronomy research. Dr. Tesoro thereafter suggested to Dr. Jose Q. Macaballug, RTU President the possibility of offering a course in astronomy at RTU. Dr. Tesoro guarantees PAGASA support to the project. Meanwhile, the RTU and PAGASA entered into a Memorandum of Agreement for the conduct of joint projects in astronomy.
The course seeks to establish the study of this science on a firm foundation. The course is envisioned to provide the student a wide range of knowledge in all aspects of astronomy in a more general manner. The student will choose the field of research that would be most interesting to him or her. Consequently, we have designed the course to suit professionals of all persuasions, who might wish to study astronomy either for professional advancement or for pure interest or love for science. The course is open for non-science majors. A non-science major will take a few introductory courses to prepare him/her for the more detailed aspects of astronomy.
Classes have been conduct alternately in PAGASA and in the RTU. Both institutions have research-capable telescopes and equipment. Presently, there are only four Individual Members of the International Astronomical Union (IAU) in the Philippines. Individual membership in the IAU is limited to professional scientists at the PhD level and beyond. Three of the Filipino IAU members are faculty members in the course. A professor in astronomy in astronomy from the University of Sheffield in the United Kingdom recently joined the faculty. The students attend the regular astronomy lectures conducted by foreign astronomers being held in PAGASA. The MS in Astronomy course has become a very intellectually satisfying course.
CURRICULUM
PREPARATORY COURSES:
AST 201: Principles of Science – 3 Units
The course will include discussion of scientific concepts and principles relevant to the study Astronomy. Specially, it will include concepts in biology, chemistry, meteorology, genetics, evolution, anatomy, geology, and other fields relevant to Astronomy. Physics will also be studied in this course in this curriculum.
AST 202: Principles of Mathematics – 3 Units
This course is a study of the basic mathematical principles and tools relevant to the study Astronomy. Specially, it will include basic principles in algebra, geometry, and trigonometry.
AST 203: Principles of Physics – 3 Units
This course will include the study of the principles and laws of physics which have bearing on the study of Astronomy.
MAJOR COURSES:
AST 204: A Survey of Principles Concerning Stars – 3 Units Lecture
This course will have emphasis on the basic principles about spectral types of stars, stellar interiors, stellar evolution, stellar atmospheres, variable stars, Cepheid, white dwarfs, novae, supernovae, neutron stars, and black holes.
AST 205: Seminar on Galaxies – 3 Units Lecture
This course shall include basic studies on the nature of galaxies, galaxy clusters, the elliptical galaxies, the spiral galaxies, the irregular galaxies, the low surface galaxies, the interacting galaxies, the giant radio galaxies, the Seyfert galaxies, the X-ray galaxies, the dwarf galaxies and quasars.
AST 206: Basic Concepts on Cosmology – 3 Units Lecture
This course includes both physical and observational cosmology. It will include basic observations, the Robertson-Walker Metric, the Friedmann Models, the Thermal History of the Universe, Primordial Nucleosynthesis, inflation and baryogenesis, the Hubble Constant, growth structures, redshift surveys, the Multiverse theory.
AST 207: Basic Principles on the Solar Systems – 3 Units Lecture
This course will include topics in solar physics, planetary atmospheres, planetary surfaces, and the origin of the Solar System. Field observations of Solar System objects will be conducted.
AST 208: Life in the Universe – 3 Units Lecture
This is a discussion of the probability of the existence of extraterrestrial life, along problems in detecting and contacting extraterrestrial civilizations. Topics will include the nature and origin of life on Earth, the search for life on the other planets, the possibility of space travel, and the probability extraterrestrials visiting the Earth.
AST 209: Observational Astronomy I – 1 Unit Lecture, 2 Units Laboratory
In this course, the students will learn the constellations and the names and coordinates of specific stars. Visual observations of deep-sky objects such as galaxies, star clusters, supernova remnants, double and multiple stars, and nebulae shall be conducted. Observational projects will be required.
AST 210: Observational Astronomy II – 1 Unit Lecture, 2 Units Laboratory
This course will deal with astrophotography and the use of CCDs for imaging. Spectroscopy will also be studied, including a study of positional astronomy. Elements of image processing and an introduction to computer-based image processing shall be included. Students will be taught to use various telescopes and other types of instruments.
AST 211: Astronomy Education – 3 Units Lecture
As scientists, the students will be taught how to teach Astronomy to a wide variety of audiences, to lead discussions, and to create tests. Focus on educational research relevant to Astronomy will be emphasized.
AST 212: Astronomy and Meteorology – 3 Units Lecture
This course will include topics on the correlation of planetary science with the study of meteorology, such as how the Sun could affect Earth’s atmosphere, the comparison between the atmosphere of the planets and the Earth, an analysis of the composition of the Earth’s atmosphere, and a comparative study of the Earth’s weather and those of the planets
AST 213: Thesis – 6 Units
The paper shall be submitted as requirement for graduation. In lieu of the research paper, any three research term papers accomplished in the other courses may be accepted in compliance with the thesis requirement, provided they will be considered acceptable by a panel of professors.
CORE COURSE
MA 100: Research Method and Designs – 3 Units
MA 101: Applied Statistics – 3 Units
MA 103: Cooperative Education and Special Study – 3 Units
COGNATE COURSE
MA 303: Program Development & Evaluation – 3 Units
MA 806: Administrative Processes and HBO – 3 Units
Tuition Fee: Php 225.00/unit
For more details please contact the School of Graduate Studies
534-8267 loc. 125
OVERVIEW
The Master of Science in Astronomy course was conceived by Dr. Florentino Tesoro; former Office-in-Charge of PAGASA and by Dr. Bernardo M. Soriano Jr., Chief of the Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Space Sciences Bureau of PAGASA sometime in 2004 astronomy research in the RTU has reached a significant level. Through the initiative of Dr. Soriano, who was then the Chairman of Division XII (Division of Earth Sciences) of the National Research Council of the Philippines, the name of said Division was amended to Division of Earth and Space Sciences in recognition of the recent accelerated progress in the field of astronomy research. Dr. Tesoro thereafter suggested to Dr. Jose Q. Macaballug, RTU President the possibility of offering a course in astronomy at RTU. Dr. Tesoro guarantees PAGASA support to the project. Meanwhile, the RTU and PAGASA entered into a Memorandum of Agreement for the conduct of joint projects in astronomy.
The course seeks to establish the study of this science on a firm foundation. The course is envisioned to provide the student a wide range of knowledge in all aspects of astronomy in a more general manner. The student will choose the field of research that would be most interesting to him or her. Consequently, we have designed the course to suit professionals of all persuasions, who might wish to study astronomy either for professional advancement or for pure interest or love for science. The course is open for non-science majors. A non-science major will take a few introductory courses to prepare him/her for the more detailed aspects of astronomy.
Classes have been conduct alternately in PAGASA and in the RTU. Both institutions have research-capable telescopes and equipment. Presently, there are only four Individual Members of the International Astronomical Union (IAU) in the Philippines. Individual membership in the IAU is limited to professional scientists at the PhD level and beyond. Three of the Filipino IAU members are faculty members in the course. A professor in astronomy in astronomy from the University of Sheffield in the United Kingdom recently joined the faculty. The students attend the regular astronomy lectures conducted by foreign astronomers being held in PAGASA. The MS in Astronomy course has become a very intellectually satisfying course.
CURRICULUM
PREPARATORY COURSES:
AST 201: Principles of Science – 3 Units
The course will include discussion of scientific concepts and principles relevant to the study Astronomy. Specially, it will include concepts in biology, chemistry, meteorology, genetics, evolution, anatomy, geology, and other fields relevant to Astronomy. Physics will also be studied in this course in this curriculum.
AST 202: Principles of Mathematics – 3 Units
This course is a study of the basic mathematical principles and tools relevant to the study Astronomy. Specially, it will include basic principles in algebra, geometry, and trigonometry.
AST 203: Principles of Physics – 3 Units
This course will include the study of the principles and laws of physics which have bearing on the study of Astronomy.
MAJOR COURSES:
AST 204: A Survey of Principles Concerning Stars – 3 Units Lecture
This course will have emphasis on the basic principles about spectral types of stars, stellar interiors, stellar evolution, stellar atmospheres, variable stars, Cepheid, white dwarfs, novae, supernovae, neutron stars, and black holes.
AST 205: Seminar on Galaxies – 3 Units Lecture
This course shall include basic studies on the nature of galaxies, galaxy clusters, the elliptical galaxies, the spiral galaxies, the irregular galaxies, the low surface galaxies, the interacting galaxies, the giant radio galaxies, the Seyfert galaxies, the X-ray galaxies, the dwarf galaxies and quasars.
AST 206: Basic Concepts on Cosmology – 3 Units Lecture
This course includes both physical and observational cosmology. It will include basic observations, the Robertson-Walker Metric, the Friedmann Models, the Thermal History of the Universe, Primordial Nucleosynthesis, inflation and baryogenesis, the Hubble Constant, growth structures, redshift surveys, the Multiverse theory.
AST 207: Basic Principles on the Solar Systems – 3 Units Lecture
This course will include topics in solar physics, planetary atmospheres, planetary surfaces, and the origin of the Solar System. Field observations of Solar System objects will be conducted.
AST 208: Life in the Universe – 3 Units Lecture
This is a discussion of the probability of the existence of extraterrestrial life, along problems in detecting and contacting extraterrestrial civilizations. Topics will include the nature and origin of life on Earth, the search for life on the other planets, the possibility of space travel, and the probability extraterrestrials visiting the Earth.
AST 209: Observational Astronomy I – 1 Unit Lecture, 2 Units Laboratory
In this course, the students will learn the constellations and the names and coordinates of specific stars. Visual observations of deep-sky objects such as galaxies, star clusters, supernova remnants, double and multiple stars, and nebulae shall be conducted. Observational projects will be required.
AST 210: Observational Astronomy II – 1 Unit Lecture, 2 Units Laboratory
This course will deal with astrophotography and the use of CCDs for imaging. Spectroscopy will also be studied, including a study of positional astronomy. Elements of image processing and an introduction to computer-based image processing shall be included. Students will be taught to use various telescopes and other types of instruments.
AST 211: Astronomy Education – 3 Units Lecture
As scientists, the students will be taught how to teach Astronomy to a wide variety of audiences, to lead discussions, and to create tests. Focus on educational research relevant to Astronomy will be emphasized.
AST 212: Astronomy and Meteorology – 3 Units Lecture
This course will include topics on the correlation of planetary science with the study of meteorology, such as how the Sun could affect Earth’s atmosphere, the comparison between the atmosphere of the planets and the Earth, an analysis of the composition of the Earth’s atmosphere, and a comparative study of the Earth’s weather and those of the planets
AST 213: Thesis – 6 Units
The paper shall be submitted as requirement for graduation. In lieu of the research paper, any three research term papers accomplished in the other courses may be accepted in compliance with the thesis requirement, provided they will be considered acceptable by a panel of professors.
CORE COURSE
MA 100: Research Method and Designs – 3 Units
MA 101: Applied Statistics – 3 Units
MA 103: Cooperative Education and Special Study – 3 Units
COGNATE COURSE
MA 303: Program Development & Evaluation – 3 Units
MA 806: Administrative Processes and HBO – 3 Units
Tuition Fee: Php 225.00/unit
For more details please contact the School of Graduate Studies
534-8267 loc. 125
GRADUATE SCHOOL
RATIONALE
This graduate program is designed for science of educator, astronomy lecturers, and members of astronomical societies, and plain astronomy enthusiasts who need to gain in depth knowledge on the most important aspects of astronomy. A bachelor’s degree in any major is required. The program can be finished in two semesters and one summer term. Knowledge comes through the telescope and through a liberal use of this instrument in the program; a whole universe of knowledge will be opened to the clients of the program.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
CORE COURSE (6 Units)
Life in the Universe (AST 201)
This course is a discussion of the probability of the existence of extraterrestrial life, along with problems in detecting and communicating with extraterrestrial civilizations. Topics will include the nature and origin of life, the possibility of space travel, and the probability of space travel, and the probability of extraterrestrials visiting the Earth.
Astronomy Education (AST 202)
As a scientist, the students will be taught how to teach Astronomy to a wide variety of audiences, to lead discussions, and to create test. Focus on educational research relevant to Astronomy will be emphasized.
MAJOR COURSE (18 Units)
A Survey of Principles Concerning Stars (AST 204)
This course will have emphasis on the basic principles about spectral types of stars, stellar interiors, stellar evolution, stellar atmospheres, variable stars, Cepheid, white dwarfs, novae, supernovae, neutron stars, and black holes.
Seminar on Galaxies (AST 205)
This course shall include basic studies on the nature of galaxies, galaxy clusters, the elliptical galaxies, the spiral galaxies, the irregular galaxies, the low surface galaxies, the interacting galaxies, the giant radio galaxies, the Seyfert galaxies, the X-ray galaxies, the dwarf galaxies and quasars.
Basic Concepts on Cosmology (AST 206)
This course includes both physical and observational cosmology. It will include basic observations, the Robertson-Walker Metric, the Friedmann Models, the Thermal History of the Universe, Primordial Nucleosynthesis, inflation and baryogenesis, the Hubble Constant, growth structures, redshift surveys, the Multiverse theory.
Basic Principles on the Solar Systems (AST 207)
This course will include topics in solar physics, planetary atmospheres, planetary surfaces, and the origin of the Solar System. Field observations of Solar System objects will be conducted.
Observational Astronomy (AST 209)
In this course, the students will learn the constellations and the names and coordinates of specific stars. Visual observations of deep-sky objects such as galaxies, star clusters, supernova remnants, double and multiple stars, and nebulae shall be conducted. Observational projects will be required.
Seminar Paper (AST 290)
This course is a requirement for graduation. It is aimed to familiarize the students on current issues and topics and recent developments in the field of astronomy.
NOTE:
Completion of 6 units of Core Course, 18 units of the Major Courses which includes submission of Seminar Paper (3 units) shall qualify one for a Graduate Diploma Course in Astronomy (24 units)
Units earned in this Diploma programs are credited in the Master of Astronomy program.
Tuition Fee: Php 275.00/unit
Plus Miscellaneous Fee
RATIONALE
This graduate program is designed for science of educator, astronomy lecturers, and members of astronomical societies, and plain astronomy enthusiasts who need to gain in depth knowledge on the most important aspects of astronomy. A bachelor’s degree in any major is required. The program can be finished in two semesters and one summer term. Knowledge comes through the telescope and through a liberal use of this instrument in the program; a whole universe of knowledge will be opened to the clients of the program.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
CORE COURSE (6 Units)
Life in the Universe (AST 201)
This course is a discussion of the probability of the existence of extraterrestrial life, along with problems in detecting and communicating with extraterrestrial civilizations. Topics will include the nature and origin of life, the possibility of space travel, and the probability of space travel, and the probability of extraterrestrials visiting the Earth.
Astronomy Education (AST 202)
As a scientist, the students will be taught how to teach Astronomy to a wide variety of audiences, to lead discussions, and to create test. Focus on educational research relevant to Astronomy will be emphasized.
MAJOR COURSE (18 Units)
A Survey of Principles Concerning Stars (AST 204)
This course will have emphasis on the basic principles about spectral types of stars, stellar interiors, stellar evolution, stellar atmospheres, variable stars, Cepheid, white dwarfs, novae, supernovae, neutron stars, and black holes.
Seminar on Galaxies (AST 205)
This course shall include basic studies on the nature of galaxies, galaxy clusters, the elliptical galaxies, the spiral galaxies, the irregular galaxies, the low surface galaxies, the interacting galaxies, the giant radio galaxies, the Seyfert galaxies, the X-ray galaxies, the dwarf galaxies and quasars.
Basic Concepts on Cosmology (AST 206)
This course includes both physical and observational cosmology. It will include basic observations, the Robertson-Walker Metric, the Friedmann Models, the Thermal History of the Universe, Primordial Nucleosynthesis, inflation and baryogenesis, the Hubble Constant, growth structures, redshift surveys, the Multiverse theory.
Basic Principles on the Solar Systems (AST 207)
This course will include topics in solar physics, planetary atmospheres, planetary surfaces, and the origin of the Solar System. Field observations of Solar System objects will be conducted.
Observational Astronomy (AST 209)
In this course, the students will learn the constellations and the names and coordinates of specific stars. Visual observations of deep-sky objects such as galaxies, star clusters, supernova remnants, double and multiple stars, and nebulae shall be conducted. Observational projects will be required.
Seminar Paper (AST 290)
This course is a requirement for graduation. It is aimed to familiarize the students on current issues and topics and recent developments in the field of astronomy.
NOTE:
Completion of 6 units of Core Course, 18 units of the Major Courses which includes submission of Seminar Paper (3 units) shall qualify one for a Graduate Diploma Course in Astronomy (24 units)
Units earned in this Diploma programs are credited in the Master of Astronomy program.
Tuition Fee: Php 275.00/unit
Plus Miscellaneous Fee
Activities
Astronomy Society