AST2210 – Observational Astronomy
Course content
This?course provides an introduction to modern observational methods used in astronomy. Ground and space-based telescopes and detectors, imaging techniques and imaging, as well as spectroscopy, will be introduced. The course contains practical exercises.
Learning outcome
After completing this course:
- you will get insight into how astronomical observations are carried out and the sources of error that arise from the different techniques.
- you will have a practical understanding of the limitations inherent in measurements and gain the basis for being able to perform observation-based master's theses in astronomy.
- you will have knowledge of an overview of telescopes used in the visible part of the spectrum and other electromagnetic bands.
- you will have an understanding of techniques used in spectroscopy, interferometry, photometry, and polarimetry.
Admission to the course
Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for?in Studentweb.
The course has a max capacity of 30 students. Based on experience, there is generally room for everyone who applies for admission to the course within the deadline.
Special admission requirements
In addition to fulfilling the?Higher Education Entrance Qualification, applicants have to meet the following special admission requirements:
- Mathematics R1 (or Mathematics S1 and S2) + R2
And in addition one of these:
- Physics (1+2)
- Chemistry (1+2)
- Biology (1+2)
- Information technology (1+2)
- Geosciences (1+2)
- Technology and theories of research (1+2)
The special admission requirements may also be covered by equivalent studies from Norwegian upper secondary school or by other equivalent studies?(in Norwegian).
Recommended previous knowledge
Four?semesters of the Fysikk og astronomi (bachelor) or comparable.?FYS2160 – Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics should be studied simultaneously.
Teaching
Teaching extends over one semester. There are 4 hours of?lectures and 2 hours of group sessions/tutorial exercises?each week.
It is compulsory to attend the first lecture. Please contact the course coordinator or the study administration before the lecture starts if you cannot be present at the first lecture.
Examination
This course has?2 written?assignments in the form of home exams that count approx. 50 %, and a final oral exam which counts approx. 50 % towards the final grade. It is mandatory?to submit the written assignments and participate in the oral examination in order to pass the course.?The final grade is determined after an overall assessment of the 2 assignments and the oral examination.
The two written assignments are not valid for the following semesters.
Examination support material
No examination support material is allowed during?the oral examination.
A computer will be needed to complete the written?assignments.?
Language of examination
Subjects taught in English will only offer the examination in English. You may write your examination paper in Norwegian, Swedish, Danish or English.
Grading scale
Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F?is a fail. Read more about the grading system.
Resit an examination
Students who can document a valid reason for absence from the regular examination are offered a postponed examination at the beginning of the next semester.
Re-scheduled examinations are not offered to students who withdraw during, or did not pass the original examination.
More about examinations at UiO
- Use of sources and citations
- Special exam arrangements due to individual needs
- Withdrawal from an exam
- Illness at exams / postponed exams
- Explanation of grades and appeals
- Resitting an exam
- Cheating/attempted cheating
You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.