FY826: Observational astronomy
Study Board of Science
Teaching language: Danish
EKA: N510043102, N510043112
Assessment: Second examiner: None
Grading: Pass/Fail
Offered in: Odense
Offered in: Spring
Level: Master
STADS ID (UVA): N510043101
ECTS value: 5
Date of Approval: 30-10-2023
Duration: 1 semester
Version: Approved - active
Comment
The course is based on the student participating in the national observation school at Nordic Optical Telescope at La Palma in August.
The course has limited entry. The following criterias are taken into consideration when seats are assigned.
- Students with the most ECTS from the astronomy course package (FY537,FY535/FY836, FY812 and FY825)
- Students with the most ECTS in the master programme
- students with a dispensation from the entry requirements
If students are equal – seats are allocated based on random draw.
The academic enviroments at The faculty of science manages the prioritisation and a waiting list is established and will then be
made aware from the faculty. The waiting list will not be transferred to the following year.
Entry requirements
Bachelor in physics.
In addition, the course FY825: Galactic dynamics and dark matter (5 ECTS) must be followed simultaneously at the latest.
In addition, the course FY825: Galactic dynamics and dark matter (5 ECTS) must be followed simultaneously at the latest.
Academic preconditions
Participant limit
Course introduction
The objective of the course is to give the students an introduction to the central elements in preparation, execution and data reduction relating observations at a modern astrophysical observatory.
The course provides a basis for advanced studies and graduate research in astrophysics and in particular observational astrophysics.
In relation to the competence profile of the degree it is the explicit focus of the course to:
- Give the competence to independently plan and exectue a scientific experimental project at a high level.
- Give skills to plan, carry out and interpret advanced physical experiments and to investigate phenomena experimentally
- Give knowledge of fundamental experimental techniques and expert knowledge in observational astrophysics.
Experiments are here understood to include observational facilities.
Expected learning outcome
The learning objectives of the course is that the student demonstrates the ability to:
- navigate in a modern observatory
- perform rudimentary reduction of data from a modern telescope
- plan observations to be performed at a modern observing facility like the Nordic Optical Telescope
Content
The following main topics are contained in the course:
- phase 1: application for observing time, astronomical instruments, preparation of observing runs (target visibility, finding charts, signal-to-noise considerations).
- phase 2: execution of astrophysical observations at the Nordic Optical Telescope in August. When possible we will also visit other telescopes on Roque del los Muchachos (e.g., the Swedish solar telescope, the Isaac Newton Group telescopes or the Spanish GTC).
- phase 3: reduction and publication of data
Literature
Examination regulations
Exam element a)
Timing
Spring
Prerequisites
| Type | Prerequisite name | Prerequisite course |
|---|---|---|
| Examination part | Prerequisites for participating in the exam a) | N510043101, FY826: Observational astronomy |
Tests
Project report
EKA
N510043102
Assessment
Second examiner: None
Grading
Pass/Fail
Identification
Full name and SDU username
Language
Normally, the same as teaching language
Examination aids
To be announced during the course
ECTS value
5
Additional information
Report containing a data analysis of the observations of the Nordic Optical Telescope.
The report should include the preparation phase, the actual observation process and subsequent computing.
The report should include the preparation phase, the actual observation process and subsequent computing.
Prerequisites for participating in the exam a)
Timing
Spring
Tests
Active participation
EKA
N510043112
Assessment
Second examiner: None
Grading
Pass/Fail
Identification
Full name and SDU username
Language
Normally, the same as teaching language
Examination aids
To be announced during the course
ECTS value
0
Additional information
Active participationin the course, particularly in the observational part of the course is mandatory.
The prerequisite examination is a prerequisite for participation in exam element a).
The prerequisite examination is a prerequisite for participation in exam element a).
Indicative number of lessons
Teaching Method
At the faculty of science, teaching is organized after the three-phase model ie. intro, training and study phase.
- Intro phase (lectures) - 10 hours
- Training phase: 5 hours tutorials and excursion one week in August.
Studyphase activities:
- The course has three elements: (1) a preparation phase, (2) the actual observations at the Nordic Optical Telescope, and (3) a data reduction and report writing phase.
- The observations will take place on La Palma
- A final report is to be handed in based on the observational data. The report is written individually.
Teacher responsible
Additional teachers
Timetable
Administrative Unit
Team at Educational Law & Registration
Offered in
Recommended course of study
Transition rules
Transitional arrangements describe how a course replaces another course when changes are made to the course of study.
If a transitional arrangement has been made for a course, it will be stated in the list.
See transitional arrangements for all courses at the Faculty of Science.