OBSERVATIONAL ASTRONOMY AND DATA ANALYSIS
A basic introduction into astronomical observations and data analysis techniques by undertaking observational projects with optical and radio telescopes. Topics covered include observation and data reduction, basic calibration of radio and optical telescopes, basics of data analysis and statistics, presenting scientific results, and basics of scientific ethics. Although specific to observational astrophysics, these methods are applicable to any of the physical sciences disciplines.
Topics
- observation and data reduction
- basic calibration of radio and optical telescopes
- basics of data analysis and statistics
- presenting scientific results
- and basics of scientific ethics
Topics explicitly listed in official catalogue description
Prerequisites & course information
Requisites: PHYSICS 205 , 241 , or 249 Course Designation: Core GenEd - Natural Science & Wellness + Lab Breadth - Physical Science Level - Advanced L&S Credit - L&S Liberal Arts and Science Repeatable for Credit: No Last Taught: Fall 2026 Learning Outcomes: 1. Understand how astronomical observations are obtained, processed and analyzed. Audience: Undergraduate 2. Use simple scientific computing methods to plan astronomical observations and analyze astronomical data. Audience: Undergraduate 3. Understand uncertainties in astronomical measurements to draw meaningful conclusions from the conducted experiments. Audience: Undergraduate 4. Demonstrate the basics of oral and written scientific presentations. Audience: Undergraduate 5. Practice principles and standards of professional and ethical conduct. Learn when and how to cite references and when it is appropriate to credit the contributions of others or claim credit for one's own work. Audience: Undergraduate Learning Outcomes: 1. Understand how astronomical observations are obtained, processed and analyzed. Audience: Undergraduate 2. Use simple scientific computing methods to plan astronomical observations and analyze astronomical data. Audience: Undergraduate 3. Understand uncertainties in astronomical measurements to draw meaningful conclusions from the conducted experiments. Audience: Undergraduate 4. Demonstrate the basics of oral and written scientific presentations. Audience: Undergraduate 5. Practice principles and standards of professional and ethical conduct. Learn when and how to cite references and when it is appropriate to credit the contributions of others or claim credit for one's own work. Audience: Undergraduate
Sources
- Course catalogue ↗2026-2027