ASTR 201 (Cosmology)
optional project

Each student may undertake one project that will comprise 20% of the final grade. The expected amount of work for this project should be at the level of ten page report. However, the project can take many different forms as described below. The topic must be approved in advance by Dr. McCarthy. Typical class projects might include reports on topics in cosmology, hands-on projects, and special opportunities for interviews (e.g., Vatican Observatory; NASA Projects, etc.). Possible opportunities will be discussed in class. It is my desire that you choose a project of benefit to you - either because it has interested you for a long time or because it relates to your talents and future career (engineering, business, art, poetry, teaching, journalism, etc.).

  • Requirements
  • Deadlines
  • Potential Topics

    REQUIREMENTS:

  • Each project should cover a topic of interest to you personally. It will be based on research and reading beyond the level of a textbook, encyclopedia, or simple Internet pages.
  • Projects must be focused on a specific topic. For example, a report on "galaxies" is not acceptable but a thorough study of the Local Group or the Virgo Cluster is appropriate.
  • A bibliography of at least five references is required. At least two must be more recent than 1996.
  • You must thoroughly cite material or ideas you borrow from other sources.
  • As stated in the course outline, your writing skills will count in assigning a grade.

    Please proofread your report very carefully!

    DEADLINES:

  • On or before February 26, you must discuss your ideas with Dr. McCarthy, receive approval, and submit the following :
    a). A suggested title.
    b). A 100 word typewritten abstract outlining the goals of your project and what you intend to accomplish.
  • A four page rough draft is due at the beginning of class on March 27. Editorial comments will be returned to you and you are expected to follow these suggestions to improve your final version.
  • The completed project is due at the beginning of class on May 6.

    POTENTIAL TOPICS (for example only):

  • Rooftop observing sessions where you keep a detailed journal charting the motions of the Sun, Moon, planets, and stars under the guidance of Dr. McCarthy.
  • Detailed interviews with people associated with real cosmological observations. Many local scientists, engineers, administrators, etc. are available and willing.
  • Historical reports, such as:
  • a). the role of a particular astronomer in cosmology (past, present, future);
  • b). discoveries of certain phenomena (pulsars, cosmic microwave background, dark energy,...);
  • Specific and detailed follow-ups to lecture and text presentations.
  • Creative writing relating to cosmology (see Dr. McCarthy for examples).

    YOUR OWN IDEAS:
    There may well be some aspect of cosmology which interests you but is not covered in the above discussion. Perhaps you have a talent you would like to utilize in an astronomical context. Should this be the case, create your own project, have it approved by Dr. McCarthy and do it! THE MORE CREATIVE, THE BETTER!