Duration
14h Th, 6h Pr
Number of credits
| Master in space sciences (120 ECTS) | 2 crédits |
Lecturer
Language(s) of instruction
French language
Organisation and examination
Teaching in the first semester, review in January
Schedule
Units courses prerequisite and corequisite
Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program
Learning unit contents
Today's astronomy is not any more that of our ancestors. However, our current knowledge was not built in one day: the evolution of the astronomical theories was often slow and vigourously debated. The course is articulated mainly around the development of some basic concepts, like the light and the distance. It does not elude the ideas still discussed nowadays, like the extraterrestrial life or the shape of our Universe. One will also consider, in addition to our greco-Roman heritage, the astronomical developments having taken place in other parts of the world.
Learning outcomes of the learning unit
The objective of this course is to present the evolution of the ideas in astronomy. It makes it possible to acquire the bases of the scientific culture, and especially to better understand the current science. This course also try to develop the critical mind of the students.
Prerequisite knowledge and skills
Elementary notions in math and physics.
Planned learning activities and teaching methods
Mode of delivery (face to face, distance learning, hybrid learning)
7 lessons of about 2h and practical exercises linked to the personal work to be done.
Organisational adjustments related to the current health context
ilmed lessons for theories will be provided if attending courses in person was forbidden for the whole university ; exercice session will be done remotely using lifesize or an equivalent. If exam must be done remotely, it will also make use of lifesize.
Recommended or required readings
A copy of the slide show or dedicated notes will be given to students (ecampus).
Assessment methods and criteria
Below you will find information on the evaluation methods planned for in-person and remote exams as well as those planned for hybrid sessions. Depending on how the health crisis evolves, the chosen method will be communicated to you no later than one month before the start of the exam session.
The grade of the course is attributed in two steps. The first one is linked to a personal written contribution on one topic in history of astronomy, chosen by the student in agreement with the professor ; it is based on a refereed article (to be chosen in a list) and uses analysis guidelines provided to the students. The second part is an oral exam, to be passed at a date which suits both the students and the professor (at least 10 days after that the written work was given to the prof.). It will consist of (1) the presentation of the personal work (15min maximum, without notes) and (2) a series of questions on the work but also on course, mostly linked to the subject of the personal work.
> Face-to-face oral exam (update 10/12/2020)
Work placement(s)
Organizational remarks
The course is available every two years (2018-2019, 2020-2021...).
The personal work, in printed version (or manuscript) as well as in electronic form, should be given at a date chosen by the students and the professor. It should be composed of at least 5 pages in A4 format (not counting space needed for illustrations) plus one page for the table of content and one for the bibliography.
Contacts
Yaël Nazé, 04 366 97 20, office #2/12 of Bat B5C (Astrophysics & Geophysics), naze@astro.ulg.ac.be