How SAO Works

The custom-made course material is now delivered via a new online system with accompanying downloadable PDF files. Each of our units contains over 1500 slides written by a variety of professional astronomers. There are 16 units to choose from, 13 of which are accompanied by course material, as well as 3 major project units. SAO also incorporates animations, websites and guest contributors on the latest astronomy headlines.

Students interact with instructors (all of whom are professional astronomers) and fellow classmates via asynchronous newsgroups and email, allowing you to study at a time that suits you. Assessment is via a mix of computer-managed tests, an essay, a project and newsgroup contributions.