Unsolved Problems in Astrophysics
Channel: MacaulayHonorsCUNY
Date: 2019-03-29

Faculty: Kelle Cruz 
Offered by Hunter College

In this seminar, we will explore current topics in Astrophysics with a focus on practical oral and written communication skills necessary to be a successful scientist. Each week will feature a guest lecture on a different “unsolved problem” in Astrophysics. Readings and discussions before the guest lecture will provide the groundwork to substantially engage the guest on their subject of expertise. In addition to the underlying science concepts relevant to each topic, lectures and discussion will also focus on the instruments, telescopes, and methods being used and how new approaches and technologies will impact the particular unsolved problem. We will also explore the processes that scientists use to learn new things and work on the cognitive challenges posed by the transition from student, where all of the problems have already been solved, to scientist, where there answers are not yet known.

Assignments will include participating in online pre-class discussions; in-class discussions, including engaging in the discussion the expert guest; writing about science for various audiences; making posters; giving oral presentations; writing grant and/or telescope proposals; and peer assessments of classmates.

Phys 280 | Location: The Perkin Reading Room in the Astrophysics Dept at the American Museum of Natural History