SIERRA COLLEGE
ASTRONOMY DEPARTMENT

Astronomy 28 - Independent Studies in Astronomy

Course Description: Designed for students interested in furthering their knowledge at an independent study level in an area where no specific curriculum offering is currently available. Independent study programs might include, but are not limited to, research papers, special construction projects, and research projects.   [Units: 1-3 during any given semester for a maximum of no more than 12 total units; Transfer: CSU/UC*]

Course Prerequisite: No prerequisites required, but Astronomy 2, 5, or 10 is recommended. For some projects, Astronomy 11 is also recommended.

CONTENTS
Spring 2011 Semester

Handouts
References

Suggested Projects
Student Performance

 

Handouts

  • Items to be added as needed

Participating Instructors

References

  • Items to be added as needed

Possible Student Projects

  • Read Richard Wolfson’s "Simply Einstein: Relativity Demystified" (which has very little math) and write a report on each chapter discussing the key concepts. ()
  • Work through a selection of exercises (which require a significant amount of skill with algebra) in "Spacetime Physics", 2nd edition, by Edwin Taylor and John Wheeler. ()
  • Work through a selection of exercises (which require a significant amount of skill with algebra) in "Exploring Black Holes", by Edwin Taylor and John Wheeler. ()
  • Watch a number of videos from NOVA and Discovery Channel and write critical reviews in light of the science and history the student has learned thus far in his/her academic studies. ()
  • Read Brian Greene’s book "The Fabric of the Cosmos" and provide a review and analysis of each chapter. ()
  • Read Julian Barbour’s book "The End of Time" and provide a review and analysis of each chapter. ()
  • Create an interactive web site with games, animations, video clips, etc. aimed at lower division college students taking introductory astronomy courses ()
  • Prepare a 10-minute lecture and/or a poster display with a theme aimed at astronomy and of such a caliber as to qualify for the annual Sierra College Science Symposium ()
 
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