Ay 105. Optical Astronomy Instrumentation Lab. 9 units (1-5-3); third term, 2025-26. Prerequisites: Ay 20. An opportunity for astronomy and physics undergraduates (juniors and seniors) to gain firsthand experience with the basic instrumentation tools of modern optical and infrared astronomy. The 10 weekly lab experiments include radiometry measurements, geometrical optics, polarization, optical aberrations, spectroscopy, CCD characterization, vacuum and cryogenic technology, infrared detector technology, adaptive optics (wavefront sensors, deformable mirrors, closed loop control) and a coronography tutorial.
Instructor: Hallinan

Ay 141 abc. Research Conference in Astronomy. 2 units (1-0-1); first, second, third terms, 2025-26. Oral reports on current research in astronomy, providing students an opportunity for practice in the organization and presentation of technical material. A minimum of two presentations will be expected from each student each year. In addition, students are encouraged to participate in a public-level representation of the same material for posting to an outreach website. This course fulfills the option communication requirement and is required of all astronomy graduate students who have passed their qualifying exam. It is also recommended for astronomy seniors; non-seniors can attend but cannot take the course for credit. Graded pass/fail.
Instructors: Hillenbrand, Hallinan, Fuller

Ay 31. Writing in Astronomy. 3 units (1-0-2); second term, 2025-26. This course is intended to provide practical experience in the types of writing expected of professional astronomers. Example styles include: research proposals, topical reviews, professional journal manuscripts, and articles for broader audiences such as popular level magazines like Astronomy or Sky and Telescope. Each student will adopt one of these formats in consultation with the course instructor and write an original piece. An outline and several drafts reviewed by both a faculty mentor familiar with the topic and the course instructor are required. This course is most suitable for juniors and seniors. Fulfills the Institute written scientific communications requirement.
Instructor: Hallinan