Hostname: page-component-78c5997874-fbnjt Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-11-14T05:55:13.355Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false
  • English
  • Français

Undergraduate and graduate programmes in astronomy for the developing world

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 August 2006

John R. Percy
John R. Percy*
Affiliation:
Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto ONCanadaM5S 3H4 email: jpercy@utm.utoronto.ca
Rights & Permissions [Opens in a new window]

Abstract

Core share and HTML view are not available for this content. However, as you have access to this content, a full PDF is available via the ‘Save PDF’ action button.

In this paper, I discuss some aspects of the design of undergraduate and graduate astronomy curricula, broadly defined, for developing countries. A fundamental requirement is to develop students' ability and desire to learn, both in university and beyond. I then discuss several aspects of the curriculum: (i) The programme of coursework in astronomy and related topics such as physics and mathematics; (ii) The associated practical and project work to develop skills as well as knowledge; (iii) Linking the coursework, effectively, to various aspects of research; (iv) Development of general academic and professional skills such as oral and written communication, teaching, planning and management, and the ability to function as part of an interdisciplinary team; and (v) Orientation to the culture of the university and to the science and the profession of astronomy.

To accomplish all of these goals may seem daunting, especially as many of them are not achieved in the most affluent universities. But much can be gained by recognizing that there are well-established “best practices” in education, achieved through formal education research, reflection, and experience. Simple resources, effectively used, can be superior to the highest technology, used without careful thought. It is often best to do a few things well; “less can be more”. And effective partnership, both within the local university and with the outside astronomical community, can also contribute to success.

Keywords

Astronomy educationundergraduate and graduate curriculadeveloping countries
Type
Contributed Papers
Information
Proceedings of the International Astronomical Union , Volume 2 , Special Session SPS5: Astronomy for the developing world , August 2006 , pp. 229 - 236
Copyright
Copyright © International Astronomical Union 2007

References

Albanese, M.A. & Mitchell, S. 1993, Academic Medicine, 68 (1), 52CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Batten, A.H. 2001, Astronomy for Developing Countries, (San Francisco: Astronomical Society of the Pacific)CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Boyer Commission 1998, Reinventing Undergraduate Education: A Blueprint for America's Research Universities, at: http://naples.cc.sunysb.edu/Pres/boyer.nspGoogle Scholar
Gouguenheim, L., McNally, D. & Percy, J.R., 1998, New Trends in Astronomy Teaching, (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press)CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Hodson, D. 2001, OISE Papers in STSE Education, Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, at the University of Toronto, 2, 7Google Scholar
Pasachoff, J.M. & Percy, J.R. 1990, The Teaching of Astronomy, (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press)Google Scholar
Percy, J.R. & Wilson, J.B. 2000, Amateur-Professional Partnerships in Astronomy, (San Francisco: Astronomical Society of the Pacific Conference Series, 220).Google Scholar
Percy, J.R., Molak, A., Lund, H., Overbeek, D., Wehlau, A.F. & Williams, P.F. 2006, Publ. Astron. Soc. Pacific, 118, 805CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Slater, T.F. & Adams, J.P. 2003, Learner-Centered Astronomy Teaching: Strategies for Astro 101, (Upper Saddle River NJ: Pearson Education Ltd.)Google Scholar
Smith, S.J. et al. 2002, Am. J. Phys., 70 (11), 1081CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Tobias, S., Aylesworth, K. & Chubin, D.F. 1995, Rethinking Science as a Career (Tucson AZ: The Research Corporation)Google Scholar