News release: Space...Now everyone's invited to the final frontier

Abstract

In September 2002, the University of Central Lancashire will launch a new degree
course in Space Sciences which will open up the study of space to a whole new range of
students.
By focusing on the historic, human and social issues relating to space and space
exploration, the course is available to students of all disciplines, not just scientists. Even
students who haven't studied maths and physics can now opt for a science degree which
will develop their understanding and knowledge of the space environment.
"Until now, students who are intrigued by the idea of space and space exploration have
only been able to do a degree in such a subject if they have a fairly strong maths or
science background," says Course Leader, Dr Jim Gotaas. "This course, however, is
more concerned with the ideas about space and its exploration, rather than the maths
and physics behind it."
Organised around three main themes, Spaceflight, Life in Space and Space Missions,
the course covers a range of exciting topics from the dynamics of space vehicle flight to
the space environment and the effects of space weather on the Earth's weather.
Extraterrestrial life, robotics, the effects of space flight on humans and the colonising of
the Solar System are also studied.
The BSc(Hons) Space Sciences will be run by the Department of Physics, Astronomy
and Mathematics, where several members of staff are already actively involved in
current scientific space missions. The Department has its own purpose-built
observatory at Alston, which students will use for night-time observing, as well as
modern, well-equipped laboratories and teaching studios.
Says Dr Gotaas: "As well as gaining insights into the key scientific, technological and
social issues relevant to human activity in space, there will be a strong emphasis on
developing students' abilities to work in groups to solve real problems and to
communicate those solutions to others, skills much sought after by employers."
Anyone requiring further information about the course should contact Dr Jim Gotaas at
the University on 01772 893541.
19 August 2002
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