Admission requirements
None
Description
An introductory course on modern research. The students learn what it means to be a researcher in astronomy. In particular what it takes to come up with challenging questions, where to start searching for an answer and why those answers are not accessible at Wikipedia. In addition, we will discuss the career paths and daily activities of astronomical researchers, how they communicate their research to other scientists and the general public, and how they prepare and give talks to other scientific researchers. The course covers how to carry out literature searches (using ADS and astro-ph), how to read and understand scientific papers, through to preparing and presenting a talk to the rest of the class.
Course objectives
Understanding of how modern research in astrophysics is conducted by professionals
Learn what it means to be an astronomer
Learn the way scientific questions are posed and addressed
How results are shared
Gain expertise on how to make presentations
Learn how to critically read a paper
Soft skills
In this course, students will be trained in the following behaviour-oriented skills:
Analytical skills (analytical thinking, abstraction, evidence)
Verbal communication (presenting, speaking, listening)
Written communication (writing skills, reporting, summarizing)
Collaboration (teamwork, group support, loyalty, attendance)
Critical thinking (asking questions, check assumptions)
Creative thinking (resourcefulness, curiosity, thinking out of the box)
Timetable
See Schedules bachelor Astronomy 2017-2018
Mode of instruction
- Lectures
Assessment method
Two homework assignments: 2/3 of the final grade
Presentation of a scientific paper: 1/3 of the final grade
The retake exam consists of an additional homework assignment. Each additional assignment can count for 1/3 of the score.
Blackboard
Blackboard is not used for this course.
Reading list
None
Registration
Register via uSis. More information about signing up for classes and exams can be found here. Exchange and Study Abroad students, please see the Prospective students website for information on how to register. For a la carte and contract registration, please see the dedicated section on the Prospective students website.
Contact information
Lecturers: Dr. P.M. (Pedro) Russo, Dr. A. (Alessandra) Candian, Dr. C. (Christian) Ginski and Dr. L. (Lizette) Guzman-Ramirez
Assistants: Dennis Vaendel, Martijn Wilhelm
Course website: will be announced at the start of the course
Remarks
None