Observatory Laboratory students progress through the full cycle of an observational astronomy project, mimicking the structure of such projects in the professional scientific research environment. Students collaborate in small teams to write an “observing proposal”, define the technical details of their observations, conduct observations at the University’s observatory, and analyse/interpret their data in the lab. Each student writes a report about their project independently. These elements are supported by introductory lectures, an “astronomical data analysis” activity, and a “peer review” process in which students discuss and rank the scientific merits of each other’s proposals at a student time allocation committee meeting.
A variety of observing projects are presented and discussed with students in the introductory lectures. Students may also create a new project based on their own scientific interests. There is considerable opportunity for students to show initiative and obtain higher marks.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the module students should be able to:
Write an observing proposal in response to a formal call for proposals;
Plan astronomical observations to achieve a defined scientific goal;
Critique the scientific merits of peers' proposals;
Conduct observations, including both science and calibration data;
Analyse astronomical data using a modern scripting language;
Fit models to astronomical data and derive errors on model parameters;
Interpret data and form statistically well-defined scientific conclusions;
Identify the main caveats on their scientific results;
Write a report following the style of the published research literature.
Assessment
27108-01 : LH Observatory Lab : Coursework (100%)
Assessment Methods & Exceptions
10% Observing proposal, 5% Student time allocation committee, 20% Astronomical data analysis, 40% Project report, 20% Lab notebook, 5% Effort