Admission requirements
None
Description
What is the size and structure of the Universe? How do stars and planets form and evolve? Could there be life elsewhere in the Universe? These are some of the most fascinating open questions of Humanity.
In this introductory course on modern astronomical research, you learn what modern astronomy is and what it means to be a successful researcher in astronomy. You will learn how to tackle challenging research questions and where to start searching for an answer. You will also learn how to communicate these answers to colleagues through different approaches, from research publications to scientific presentations. In addition, you will understand the different career paths of astronomers.
During the course, you will explore research repositories, write a commentary essay based on a research presentation and deliver a presentation to fellow colleagues.
The course address the following topics:
Current field of modern astronomy
Knowledge-bases: Astronomy databases and research articles repositories (e.g.: ADS and astro-ph)
Research Communication with peers: Publications and Presentations
Astronomy Careers
Communicating Astronomy with the Public Masterclass
Course objectives
After this course, you are able to summarize the current astronomy research landscape.
More specifically, after this course you can:
Describe the main research questions in current Astronomy and list different techniques that astronomers tackle this questions
Identify the main knowledge databases used in astronomy for astronomical data and research publications
Define a research publication workflow and peer-review processes
List the main sections of a research publication and compare it with the main open research questions
Summarize and judge the results of a research publication
List the main components of a successful presentation
Develop and deliver a presentation based on a research publication
Recognize the different careers steps of a professional astronomer and possible alternative career paths
Soft skills
In this course, you will be trained in the following behaviour-oriented skills:
Deliver a well designed and developed presentation
Write a structured essay on judging a presentation
Present research to fellow colleagues in a convincing and inspiring way
Timetable
See Schedules bachelor Astronomy
Mode of instruction
- Lectures including master classes with specialists in the topic.
Assessment method
Two homework assignments: 2/3 of the final grade.
Video-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 will be used to communicate with students and to share lecture slides, homework assignments, and any extra materials. You must enroll on Blackboard before the first lecture. To have access, you need a student ULCN account.
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
Assistants: Roland Timmerman, Jeger Broxterman, Stan Barmentloo