AST 302 Projects

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The goal behind the project is for you to investigate and answer an astrophysical question. To that end, you are expected to present your research to the class. The presentation can take a variety of forms, such as a formal presentation to the class, a video clip, a web page the class can read. The conventional route might be something along the lines of a PowerPoint presentation but I don't want to restrict your creativity. You can work by yourself or in groups with a maximum of three people.

The project consists of three steps each with its own due date (as shown on the syllabus):
  1. Choice of question: (20%)
    Pick something that excites you, or, failing that, something that you think the class would want to hear about. Possible questions are "How can they measure such-and-such?" or "Is it possible to do such-and-such?" Be prepared to discuss your intentions in class. This part of the project should consist of a one paragraph email to me describing the question, why it's of interest to you, and how you'll answer it.
  2. Paper: (30%)
    A short paper (3-7 pages) examining your chosen question with proper references. I'll correct the paper before the presentation of the project.
  3. Presentation:(50%)
    If you want to do something a bit more unusual that does not involve an oral presentation (e.g. a webpage), you must turn it in to me the class before the scheduled presentations so that students can view/experience it before presentations. You should then be available for questions during the presentations.
Your grade for the project will be based on your creativity, the quality of the research, the thoroughness of the paper, and the appeal of your presentation. The work you turn in must be that of your group only. References used must be adequately cited, and verbatim quotes must be identified as such. The weights of your total project grade are shown above.

Sample Project Ideas

Straight Astronomy

Interdisciplinary Astronomy

Cosmology

Public Policy and Astronomy/Science

Science in General


Last updated Jan. 22, 2007.
Steve Liebling (home)