ILAS Seminar-E2 :The Invisible Universe
| Numbering Code | U-LAS70 10002 SE50 | Year/Term | 2022 ・ First semester |
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| Number of Credits | 2 | Course Type | seminar |
| Target Year | Mainly 1st year students | Target Student | For all majors |
| Language | English | Day/Period | Thu.5 |
| Instructor name | LEE, Shiu Hang (Graduate School of Science Senior Lecturer) | ||
| Outline and Purpose of the Course |
Our Universe is far beyond what our eyes can perceive. Hidden in the tranquil ocean of stars, nebulae and galaxies pictured by optical telescopes and cameras around the world everyday, extreme energetic phenomena that can only be observed through ‘invisible lights' (e.g., radio waves, X-rays, gamma-rays) or even messengers other than electromagnetic waves (e.g., cosmic-rays, neutrinos) are happening frequently here and there in the Cosmos. This seminar will bring students into this exciting world of the Invisible Universe. Students can carry out introductory research projects and/or study from a book in a subject of his/her interest under the guidance of the instructor. Some projects pursued by past members: 1) Evolution of stars 2) Gamma-ray astronomy using a NASA satellite (Fermi Gamma-Ray Space Telescope) 3) Cosmic ray physics 4) Learn about astrophysics of blackholes, planetary nebulae, pulsar wind nebulae and other fascinating celetial objects The way a student will proceed with her/his project varies depending on the subject. For example, the following methods were used by students in the past successfully: 1) Numerical simulations using open-source codes 2) Writing Python scripts for simple calculations and data visualization 3) Data analysis using mission-specific applications Pre-requisite knowledge is not needed for this seminar. The students will be tutored according to their pre-knowledge levels on an individual basis. |
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| Course Goals |
1) To obtain basic knowledge and feel the excitement of forefront astronomy and astrophysics through a subject of a student's interest. 2) To briefly experience the everyday life of an astrophysicist nowadays through the process of guided independent research, report writing and an oral presentation. |
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| Schedule and Contents |
In this seminar, besides a few introductory lectures on topics surrounding multi-wavelength astronomy, the students will either perform independent research on intriguing astrophysical objects of their choices, and/or study on a topics of their interests by reading a book under the guidance of the instructor. Research projects can be carried out in a group of 2 (or 3 at most) students if preferred. This seminar will be in a casual format and conducted mainly in English (with occasional Japanese only when necessary). Students are encouraged to ask questions and discuss on topics with their peers and instructor spontaneously at each meeting. Students will present their studies and findings through a written report and a short oral presentation during a seminar meeting. Oral presentations will be scheduled flexibly between the instructor and the students in class. Total：14 classes, 1 Feedback session |
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| Evaluation Methods and Policy |
Final grades will be assessed according to: 1) in-class participation (40%) 2) one written report (30%) 3) one oral presentation (30%) |
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| Course Requirements | None | ||
| Study outside of Class (preparation and review) | Independent research and/or book reading. Guidance will be given in each seminar meeting. | ||
