2011-12 Catalog

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2011-12 Undergraduate Index A-Z

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Title   Offering Standing Credits Credits When F W S Su Description Preparatory Faculty Days Multiple Standings Start Quarters Open Quarters
Rebecca Chamberlain
  Program FR–SRFreshmen - Senior 8 08 Day and Evening Su 12Summer Session II This intensive course will explore a variety of cosmological concepts from mythology, literature, philosophy, and history, to an introduction to astronomy, archeo-astronomy, and theories about the origins of the universe. We will employ scientific methods of observation, investigation, hands-on activities, and strategies that foster inquiry based learning and engage the imagination. This class is focused on field work, and activities are designed for amateur astronomers and those interested in inquiry based science education as well as those interested in doing observation-based research or in exploring literary, philosophical, cultural, and historical Cosmological traditions.Students will participate in a variety of activities from telling star-stories under the night sky to working in a computer lab to create educational planetarium programs.  Through readings, lectures, films, workshops, and discussions, participants will deepen their understanding of the principles of astronomy and refine their understanding of the role that cosmology plays in our lives through the stories we tell, the observations we make, and the questions we ask. Students will develop skills and appreciation for the ways we uncover our place in the universe through scientific theories and cultural stories, imagination and intellect, qualitative and quantitative processes, and "hands on" observation.We will visit Pine Mountain Observatory, and participate in field studies at the 25th Anniversary of the Oregon Star Party.  This year’s celebratory events include a presentation by a Space Shuttle Astronaut and workshops with mentors, scientists, storytellers, and astronomers. We will develop a variety of techniques to enhance our observation skills including use of star-maps and navigation guides to identify objects in the night sky, how to operate 8” and 10” Dobsonian telescopes to find deep space objects, and how to use binoculars and other tools.  We will be camping and doing field work in the high desert for a week. (first session): A few students will have the opportunity to attend an invitational research conference at Pine Mountain Observatory, July. 15-20 (first session).  They must 1) be enrolled in the class or have prior experience and 2) work with the instructor to complete an independent study contract prior to the first session of summer quarter.  Since a limited number of students will be able to participate this year, students will be selected based on their background, qualifications, and interests.  Research sessions are still to be determined but may include photometry, astrometry, spectroscopy, or Binary Star Research.  Students must have the ability and interest to camp and do fieldwork in the high dessert for a week.  A planning meeting will be held on campus July 11, 6-10 pm.  Contact the instructor ASAP if you are interested. Rebecca Chamberlain Wed Freshmen FR Sophomore SO Junior JR Senior SR Summer Summer
EJ Zita
Signature Required: Fall  Winter  Spring 
  Research SO–SRSophomore - Senior V V Day F 11 Fall W 12Winter S 12Spring Rigorous quantitative and qualitative research is an important component of academic learning in Scientific Inquiry. This independent learning opportunity allows advanced students to delve into real-world research with faculty who are currently engaged in specific projects. Students typically begin by working in apprenticeship with faculty or laboratory staff and gradually take on more independent projects within the context of the specific research program as they gain experience. Students can develop vital skills in research design, data acquisition and interpretation, written and oral communication, collaboration, and critical thinking that are valuable for students pursuing a graduate degree or entering the job market. (physics) studies the Sun and other magnetized plasmas. Do solar changes affect Earth over decades (e.g. Solar Max) to millennia (e.g. climate changes)? Why does the Sun shine a bit more brightly when it is more magnetically active, even though sunspots are dark? Why does the Sun's magnetic field flip every 11 years? Why is the temperature of the Sun’s outer atmosphere millions of degrees higher than that of its surface? We investigate such solar mysteries by analyzing data from solar observatories, and with theory and computer modeling. Students can study solar physics and plasma physics, use simple optical and radio telescopes to observe the Sun from Olympia, and analyze new solar data from telescopes on satellites. Strong research students may be invited to join our summer research team in Olympia and/or Palo Alto, Calif. astronomy, physics, climate studies. EJ Zita Sophomore SO Junior JR Senior SR Fall Fall Winter Spring