Course description
Undergraduate research is one of the signatures of Villanova’s Astronomy curriculum. It aims to give you a taste of real-life academia. Kelly already exposed you to research in AST 4121, and you have undoubtedly had at least some summer research experience here at Villanova, elsewhere, or both. In this class we build on everything you already learned and know about research, and we will use it to tackle a specific problem in modern astrophysics. Everyone will be required to work on their own, independent project, that is not a continuation of summer research or a previous project. Our goal will be to go through all the motions of actual research, from initial concept to project execution.
Course objectives
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
- Design and propose an independent research project that addresses a contemporary problem in astrophysics, demonstrating originality and critical thinking.
- Develop and execute a research plan, including formulating hypotheses, identifying appropriate methodologies, and managing timelines and resources effectively.
- Apply advanced data analysis techniques and research tools relevant to their specific project, building on prior research and coursework experience.
- Engage with scientific literature to critically evaluate existing research, place their work in context, and identify opportunities for novel contributions.
- Communicate scientific findings effectively, both orally and in writing, through research updates, presentations, and a formal final report or publication-quality paper.
- Demonstrate research resilience and adaptability by responding to challenges, setbacks, or unexpected results with problem-solving and iterative improvement.
- Reflect on the research process to gain insight into the nature of scientific inquiry and prepare for graduate study or careers in research-intensive environments.
Course schedule
This is a tentative week-by-week breakdown of the course work:
| Week 1 (Aug 24): | Introduction, initial concept study |
| Week 2 (Aug 31): | Initial concept study, literature review |
| Week 3 (Sep 7): | Literature review continued, proposal writing |
| Week 4 (Sep 14): | Proposals due, proposal peer-review |
| Week 5 (Sep 21): | Proposal evaluation; work on the Introduction paper section |
| Week 6 (Sep 28): | Introduction paper section due; observations/methodology development |
| Week 7 (Oct 5): | Observations/methodology development continued |
| Week 8 (Oct 12): | Fall break |
| Week 9 (Oct 19): | Observations/methodology development continued |
| Week 10 (Oct 26): | Observations/methodology paper section due; independent research |
| Week 11 (Nov 2): | Independent research continued |
| Week 12 (Nov 9): | Independent research paper section due; work on discussion/conclusions |
| Week 13 (Nov 16): | Discussion/conclusions paper section due; peer-review of papers |
| Week 14 (Nov 23): | Peer-review results; working on corrections |
| Week 15 (Nov 30): | Final papers due, paper presentations, 15 min + 5 min for questions |
Grading
Your final grade will reflect your success in meeting the deadlines and doing quality work.
- Project proposal carries 250 points, or 25% of the grade
- Project paper carries 500 points, or 50% of the grade
- Project presentation carries 250 points, or 25% of the grade
- Each day after the missed deadline will cost you 25 points.
- If your results are submitted to a peer-review journal, I will award you a bonus 250 points.
Grading will be done according to the following breakdown:
| 0-56% | F | 68-72% | C- | 84-88% | B |
| 56-60% | D- | 72-76% | C | 88-92% | B+ |
| 60-64% | D | 76-80% | C+ | 92-96% | A- |
| 64-68% | D+ | 80-84% | B- | 96-100% | A |
Attendance
I will never insist on your presence in lecture, be it in person or remotely. There will be no attendance sheets and no penalties for missing the lecture. You never need to provide me with any evidence for missing any lectures. You are all adults and I will treat you as such. You take full responsibility for your actions.
That said… You must attend/contribute to in-class peer reviews and presentations. If you cannot make class when peer-review and/or presentations are being held, I will need a doctor’s note or any other evidence as proof of absence that is allowed under University policy.
Academic integrity
Finally, here goes the standard blurb: any violation of the Code of ethics will be grounds for failing the course. Any cheating, copying, duplication of work, etc, will get you into trouble. If you have any concerns whatsoever, come talk to me and I'm sure we'll be able to sort everything out.
Special needs
It is the policy of Villanova University to make reasonable academic accommodations for qualified individuals with special needs. If you are a person with a special need please contact me after class or during office hours and make arrangements to register with the Learning Support Services by contacting 610-519-5176 or by emailing learning.support.services@villanova.edu. as soon as possible. Students approved for accommodations should use ClockWork to register and book tests.