The Need for a National Qualification in Astronomy

The Need for a National Qualification in Astronomy Written by Tony Vinckx

No AQF subjects in Astronomy In 2004, when the Certificate IV in Deep Space Network was undergoing the development phase, a detailed investigation of existing AQF training packages and accredited qualifications had revealed that NO nationally accredited units of competency existed under the AQF in the following fields: § § Space Science Astronomy Cosmology Astrophysics As a course developer, the idea was sparked in 2004 that there was a need for national qualification or industry training package endorsed within the AQF to provide students with the opportunity to gain vocational education and training in ASTRONOMY

Background In Australia, there are only 3 ways to study Astronomy: 1) Senior School Certificate § In NSW, students in Year 11/12 can study “Physics” § One element in this subject is “Astronomy” § The HSC Syllabus provides students with foundation & basic knowledge. 2) Adult & Community Education (ACE) § ACE offers general interest programs (non-accredited) in amateur astronomy. 3) Tertiary Qualification § A number of Australian universities offer undergraduate programs that provide advanced knowledge in modern astronomy and postgraduate courses to study as a professional astronomer. For example: Graduate Certificate of Science (Astronomy) Graduate Diploma of Science (Astronomy) Master of Science (Astronomy)

Post School Opportunities The NSW Board of Studies makes the following claim: Wherever appropriate, the skills and knowledge acquired by students in their study of HSC courses should be recognised by a Registered Training Organisations, such as TAFE NSW, to provide industry training and issue qualifications within the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). In 2009, an investigation of the National Training Information System (NTIS) revealed that there were NO national qualifications or industry training packages endorsed under the AQF, to provide students with the opportunity to gain vocational education and training in ASTRONOMY or SPACE SCIENCE.

Proposed National Qualification High School AQF 3 or 4 Certificate in Astronomy Certificate AQF III Certificate AQF I Senior Secondary Certificate (Yr 12) Secondary Certificate (Yr 10) TAFE/CIT (Vocational & Technical Education) Advanced Diploma Certificate AQF IV Certificate AQF III Certificate AQF I Statement of Attainment University (Higher Education) Doctoral Degree Masters Degree Graduate Diploma Graduate Certificate Bachelor Degree Advanced Diploma

Proposed Structure The proposed structure may consist of the following units: § History of Astronomy § Working in the Space Science Industry § The Celestial Sphere § Stars, Planets and Moons § Cosmology § Spacecrafts and Space Exploration § Mathematics in Astronomy § Principles of Radio Astronomy § Use basic Astronomy equipment § Information Technology in Astronomy The proposed framework “fills the gaps” between the basic knowledge gained in the HSC curriculum and the necessary higher knowledge needed to pursue a tertiary qualification in Astronomy.

Training Package Developer § A training package developer does not have to be a registered training organisation (RTO). § A training package can be developed when an industry identifies the need for nationally recognised training that is not currently covered by a accredited AQF training package. § Once the certificate is formally endorsed by the ACT Accreditation Council (ARC), it will be listed on the NTIS and then it is ready to implement by a registered training organisations (RTO). § The registered training organisation will firstly apply for the necessary 'scope of registration‘, before they can deliver the new AQF qualification. A RTO would need to be created to deliver the new AQF qualification in Astronomy.

Benefits The proposed AQF Certificate could provide the following advantages: § § Students receive an industry recognised qualification as an “Amateur Astronomer”, The certificate is approved by the Astronomical Society of Australia, The certificate is endorsed by the NSW Board of Studies as a HSC approved AQF course for Year 11/12 students, Partnership arrangements with tertiary institutions allow students to apply formal recognition, providing a pathway for students to study a professional qualification in Astronomy.

Return on Investment § The proposed AQF Certificate would be developed locally and utilise subject matter experts in the field of Astronomy/Space Science. § The proposed AQF Certificate would cost approximately $? ? to register as an accredited AQF Qualification. § The proposed accreditation lifespan of the AQF Certificate in Astronomy would be ? ? ? years. § The RTO would establish a commercial license with other RTO’s/educational institutions before they can add the proposed Certificate to their scope of registration. This charging is a combination of an up-front fee and royalties based upon the RTO’s number of student enrolments into the Astronomy course. § The issuing RTO will develop the learning materials for the proposed course and establish a copyright license. Other RTO’s would be required to purchase these learning materials as a condition of the commercial license.

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