Astronomy 123 Course Project

 


An Astronomy 123 course project is required of each student.
The project might be a written report on a topic of interest,
a report of an observational exercise, a poster on a topic, or
the design of an astronomical instrument, to name a few 
possibilities.  The report should be typewritten.  It should be 
4-6 pages, unless other content (such as a poster) is submitted. 
In any case, the report should be no less than two pages long.  
References must be cited.


Reports might cover the history of a topic, key figures, the role 
of space exploration, and the relevance to our understanding
of the Stars, Galaxies, or the Universe.  It might discuss the debate 
over an unsettled issue or issues regarding an important observation.
There are many possibilities, and the student's imagination and 
interest should be the guide.


The project will contribute 10% to the total grade.  Projects are due, 
without exception, no later than May 24.  If it is fragile, it should
be delivered to 414 Willamette.

Academic honesty is expected of every student.  Refer to the policy
on academic dishonesty at the bottom of this page.

Some possible projects

These suggestions are given as examples of what you might do.
You are free to design any project related to Astronomy.


Examples of past projects

Write a report on a topic of interest, such as the Big Bang, 
the origin of stars, the death of stars, the birth of planetary 
systems, the possibilities of life elsewhere, or the known 
and unknown limits of space and time.

Evening or early morning sky observations.
Using a star chart (located in back of text) or SkyChart III on the text's 
CD-ROM as a reference, try using a pair of binoculars to observe and locate 
the following (suggested) celestial objects:
 Planets Saturn, Jupiter, Mars & Venus
 M42 - Orion Nebula (emission nebula)
 M45 - Pleiades (galactic cluster)
 M15 - (globular cluster) in Pegasus
 M36,M37,M38 (globular clusters) in Auriga
 M31 - Andromeda Galaxy
 Milky Way

You may want to include other objects of the night sky.  Report 
your observations.  How does the observation change from week to week?
What do recent issues of Sky and Telescope indicate are the 
interesting current observing targets?

Attend a planetarium program and submit a written description 
focusing on the content themes.  Report what you have learned, 
what you find agreeable or disagreeable, etc.  Back up your report 
of the planetarium program with related references.

Develop a report on topics in the Review and Discussion sectuibs
at the end of each chapter in the textbook. 

Complete a "poster report", consisting of a brief description 
of a topic displayed on a poster.  This will include images of the 
subject, along with a discussion of interesting related issues.
For example, you might document the images of space-based observations
of distant objects, such as gamma-ray bursts, or distant galaxies.

These are some possibilities.  Be creative.






Projects will be available to pick up after the term, from June 11 
through June 18, in 414 Willamette.  After June 18 there is no guarantee 
that the projects will be available, unless special arrangements are
made in advance.  Such arrangements can be made at 6-4898.

Academic Dishonesty:

Academic dishonesty will not be tolerated.  This includes any form of cheating,
plariarism, or fabrication.  All work must be your own, produced exclusively
for this course.  For additional information on plagiarism, refer to the
UO Library information.

Academic dishonesty can result in receipt of a failing grade on
the specific assignment or even receiving an F in the course.
Additional information on academic conduct is available from
Student Life.

Every violation will be dealt with seriously and noted on student disciplinary
records.