AST 199: Research Presentation in Astronomy
Course Syllabus, Fall 2006
DESCRIPTION
This class is designed to improve students’ research writing and presentation skills. Topics include organizing a research paper, elements of good writing style, making figures, using LaTeX and BibTeX, working with PowerPoint, and public speaking. Each student will write a paper describing their research and submit it to an undergraduate or professional scientific journal, as well as give a 20 minute presentation about their research. Because it strengthens research communication skills, this class will prepare students for graduate school and future scientific writing and speaking.
PREREQUISITE: At least one semester or one summer of research in astronomy or physics
INSTRUCTOR: Julie Comerford
Email: julie@astro.berkeley.edu
Office: 649
Phone: 642-5369
Office hours: Stop in, or by appointment
CLASS: Thursday
COURSE WEBSITE: http://astro.berkeley.edu/~julie/astro199/
GRADING: Pass/Not Pass, based upon the paper, presentation, and class participation
|
WEEK |
DATE |
TOPIC |
ASSIGNMENT |
|
Week 1 |
August 31 |
Introduction, scientific journals |
Research explanations |
|
Week 2 |
September 7 |
PowerPoint tutorial, effective use of color |
Terrible PPT slide |
|
Week 3 |
September 14 |
Giving a talk: the art of public speaking, PowerPoint organization |
Go to a talk |
|
Week 4 |
September 21 |
Giving a talk: controlling nervousness Writing a paper: the title |
Write title, read a paper |
|
Week 5 |
September 28 |
Writing a paper: abstract, introduction, methods, results, discussion |
Prepare 5 minute PPT |
|
Week 6 |
October 5 |
Writing a paper: references, BibTeX |
Read sample essays, create outline |
|
Week 7 |
October 12 |
Writing the research experience essay for graduate school applications |
Work on paper |
|
Week 8 |
October 19 |
Student talk, writing style |
Work on paper |
|
Week 9 |
October 26 |
Student talk, common grammar mistakes |
Work on paper |
|
Week 10 |
November 2 |
Student talk, using plots |
Work on paper |
|
Week 11 |
November 9 |
Student talk, using tables |
First draft due by email Monday, November 13 |
|
Week 12 |
November 16 |
Student talk, discuss first draft |
Revise paper |
|
Week 13 |
November 23 |
Thanksgiving, no class |
|
|
Week 14 |
November 30 |
Student talk, how to edit your paper |
Revise paper |
|
Week 15 |
December 7 |
Wrap-up, course evaluations |
Final paper due |