PRELIMINARY SURVEY
I will do everything I can to help you learn as much as you want
to learn about modern observational/experimental astronomy. The
best way to learn this is by doing, and that's mostly what this
class is about. But even though most of you have taken all the
same classes, there might be a very wide variety of practical
experience.
Please describe in a page or two (please type it and email it to me)
your background in astronomy, computing, instrumentation, and
anything else that might be relevant. Expect this to be iterative;
I will ask you to follow up on a few points after I read your first
draft. Make sure you include the final version in your "notebook".
Please also include the following
- List your computer skills and estimate your level of proficiency.
- If you've been working
in the department, please tell me about it.
- What kind of a career direction do you currently see yourself
pursuing? Are there certain astronomical areas or techniques that
appeal to you? Any areas you want to avoid? Why?
- Do you plan to work in the department as a laboratory/research
assistant? Do you have a plan for your PHYS420 research project?
Tell me about it (briefly, of course).