Observational TechniquesAST 443Stanimir Metchev2Course Focus:Observational Astronomy• learn the basic tools of astronomical research• practice applying these tools to data– IDL, Iraf/pyraf• design and implement research projects• present research to others– conference-style poster– ApJ-style paper• evaluate others’ work3Course Organization• weekly lectures + 1-hour lab– MWF 11:40am–12:40pm (TBD)– lab: TBD• lecture notes– available on course site after each lecture• weekly readings– read before lecture• 4 problem sets• midterm• 4 research projects– final paper + poster4Items of Business• Decide upon meeting time– 2-hour lecture + 2-hour lecture/lab– MW: 8:20–10:10pm• Access to computers– ESS undergrad lab– Math SINC site– personal5Description of Labs• Lab 1: Photometry• Lab 2: Astrometry• Proposal + observations– Tenagra Observatory, AZ• Lab 3: Spectroscopy• Lab 4: Analysis of received data– a research paper + poster– peer reviews of papers6Tentative Syllabus7Evaluation of Coursework• research projects (40% of grade)– collaborative, but shown own work– including poster and paper• homework assignments (30%)– collaborative, but shown own work• midterm examination (20%)– closed book, formula sheet• evaluations of peers’ work (10%)– i.e., “an evaluation of your evaluations”8Prerequisite Knowledge• AST203 or AST205• PHY 125–127 or PHY 131/132 or PHY 141/142• desirable: AST341 or AST346– can be taken
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