Radio astronomy offers an exciting and economical alternative
to optical astronomy opening new windows to the heavens.
Observations are rarely affected by the weather and
radio telescopes can "see" objects in the sky not
visible through conventional telescopes

Students can learn about how radios and computers monitor, interpret
and process signals from space and even produce radio images.
These 'hands on' experiences contribute to their future scientific and
engineering careers
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PRE-16 STUDY
Radio....
Prior to 16 pupils will be studying GCSE level physics either
within combined science or separate physics. They will cover such
aspects of radio and microwaves as amplitude, frequency,
wavelength, period, radio communication, a brief history of telegraph
and wireless, how a radio works, radio wave detection and the amplitude
and frequency modulation of radio waves. Further work will include
interference effects, ground, sky and space waves in the ionosphere,
diffraction in dishes, use by satellites and analogue and digital signals

Astronomy.....
Astronomy is a popular part of the GCSE syllabus and includes learning
about our galaxy as part of the universe, SETI, stars, birth, life, death, the
cosmic microwave background radiation as evidence for the big bang theory
of the Universe, steady state theory of the universe, and red shift.
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POST-16
Education in physics and electronics 16-18 will include deeper
investigation of aspects from GCSE and include further aspects
of digital and analogue electronics, single and dual aperture light,
radio and microwave image formation and interpretation,
including resolution and sensitivity. Electric and magnetic fields and
the real nature of em waves will be coverered as well as characteristics
of aerials, dishes, lenses,and mirrors and the importance of radio and
communication. Radio wave polarisation, inductors, capacitors,
resonance, tuners, amplifiers, bandwidth, detection and AM and FM
demodulation, the RC circuit, ADC and voltage measurement by computer
are all included.

The IOP Advancing Physics A Level course requires considerable
study of imaging and communications and requires pupils to design,
understand and build sensors. A radio telescope is a sensor that can
measure the temperature of astronomical sources. The course
also includes whole chapters on astronomy and cosmology where
an undertstanding of radio astronomy and its techniques would
prove invaluable.

Radio astronomy provides huge opportunities within vocational courses
such as the BTEC national courses in engineering and technology.
The units and modules actually require students to get relevant
experience of real-world communications related activites.
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POST-19
Radio astronomy offers a wonderful synthesis of some of the best aspects
of radio frequency and conventional electronics, radio communication and aerial
construction, astronomy and physics, amply supporting the above curricula.
Radio astronomy can lead to a healthy pursuit of physics and communications
post 18 leading to careers in communication, RF design engineering,
electronics and software design. RF design engineers are currently the most
sought after engineers in the UK.
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CURRICULUM ISSUES
Radio astronomy can be carried out often regardless of the weather,
equipment is mainly operated indoors, and observations can be designed
to fit within the very busy constraints of a school timetable. Ideas and projects
can support coursework particularly in post 16 studies in physics,
electronics and technology.
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FOR TEACHERS AND HEADS OF DEPARTMENT
Active pursuit of radio astronomy can improve the profile of a
department and increase pupil interest in physics and electronics,
subjects currently in serious decline post 16. PPARC have
been sympathetic to funding projects in radio astronomy.