Astronomy Practicum 1

Available to students on an individual basis, students undertake activities that provide on-the- job experience relevant to possible careers for astronomy majors. The particular set of experiences for each term is chosen by the student in consultation with the academic advisor and Department. The activities available include, but are not limited to: internship with the planetarium at the Schenectady Museum or with the Dudley Observatory; running monthly open houses at the Union College Observatory; writing regular science columns for the college newspaper; giving presentations at the bi-weekly Astronomy News Discussion group in the Physics and Astronomy Department; and undertaking a research-oriented independent study in astronomy under the supervision of a professor. Each term is graded on a pass-fail basis with one course credit granted after completion of three terms. To receive a passing grade, the student is expected to work the equivalent of four hours per week and submit a summary report at the end of each term.