Course Description
Selected experiments with emphasis on laboratory techniques, methods of data analysis, knowledge of instrumentation, and the writing of laboratory reports. Intended to prepare students for research and advanced laboratory work. Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in PHY 292; or permission of instructor; Corequisite: PHY 321. Corequisite need not be taken concurrently; prior completion is adequate.
Syllabus
Student Learning Outcomes, Goals, Objectives:
Students successfully completing this course will be able to:
- Apply analysis to understand data.
- Construct and interpret data tables, charts, graphs, or other representations of data.
- Analyze and interpret data to evaluate and test hypotheses.
Objectives:
- When the course is finished the student should have gained familiarity with:
- basic methods of astronomical observations, such as photometry and spectroscopy
- a professional telescope as well as obtaining and analyzing data taken with it
- comparison of theoretical predictions and experimental measurements
- graphical tools to display and analyze data
Course Grading Information:
| Activity/Performance Measure | Percentage/Points |
|---|---|
| Construction and analysis of the spectral energy distribution | 30% |
| Analysis of spectra and comparison with theoretical models | 30% |
| Periodogram and phase curve analysis | 30% |
| Attendance and participation | 10% |
Grading Scale
| Percentage | Letter Grade |
|---|---|
| 92.1% - 100% | A |
| 89.1% - 92% | A- |
| 86.1% - 89% | B+ |
| 82.1% - 86% | B |
| 79.1% - 82% | B- |
| 76.1% - 79% | C+ |
| 72.1% - 76% | C |
| 69.1% - 72% | C- |
| 66.1% - 69% | D+ |
| 63.1% - 66% | D |
| 60.1% - 63% | D- |
| < 60% | F |
Attendance/Participation:
Attendance is required at all class meetings and observing sessions.
Course Materials Purchased by the Students:
No course materials are required.
Scholarly Perspectives
This course engages diverse scholarly perspectives to develop critical thinking, analysis, and debate and inclusion of a reading does not imply endorsement.