FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between SAO Short Course (SAOSC) and Swinburne Astronomy Online (SAO)?
A: The SAO Short Course is a fully online, 6 week, non-assessable introduction to astronomy course. SAO is a fully online, assessable, postgraduate degree program in astronomy.
Q: Is the SAO Short Course (SAOSC) accredited by Swinburne University?
A: The SAO Short Course is not accredited because it does not have assessment and it is not a degree program.
Q: How does the course content in SAOSC relate to the Units in Swinburne Astronomy Online (SAO)?
A: Much of the material in the SAOSC course content has been derived from existing SAO Units HET602 Exploring the Solar System, HET603 Exploring Stars and the Milky Way and the former HET604 Exploring Galaxies and the Cosmos (now re-designed as HET624 Galaxies and their Place in the Universe).
see: http://astronomy.swin.edu.au/sao/shortcourse/content/content.xml
Q: If I complete SAOSC will this count towards credits in the SAO program?
A: No, completing the SAOSC does not count towards any credits in our graduate degree programs. However, by doing the SAOSC you will have a great introduction to some of the topics in SAO.
Q: Will I get a certificate of completion?
A: Certificates are sent to SAOSC students if the student has satisfactorily participated and contributed in the newsgroups across the 6 week SAOSC term.
Q: Is there more than one SAO Short Course?
A: Not at present. "From Planets to the Universe" debuted in term 1 of 2008.
For information about SAO please visit: