SYLLABUS FOR SCIENTIFIC OBSERVER CERTIFICATE

• Week 1 * Observations and Measurement
• Week 2 * Charting and Graphing
• Week 3 * Precision Measurements
• Week 4 * Computers - Control and Analysis
• Week 5 * Scientific Instruments - Overview
• Week 6 * Scientific Instruments - Use
• Week 7 * Geomagnetic Measurements
• Week 8 * Solar Observations
• Week 9 * Exploring the Electromagnetic Spectrum
• Week 10 * Monitoring the Environment

Practical Exercises - some of the following exercises, observations and measurements will be conducted in class, some will be assigned for the student to conduct outside class hours:

- measuring length, mass and time
- consideration of errors in all measurements
- observing weather parameters (temp, press, cloud cover, wind) for a month
- plotting and analysing above data
- practical introduction to computers for data plotting and analysis
- using a multimeter, oscilloscope, photometer, pH meter
- using a theodolite
- drawing and analysing sunspots
- using a communication receiver
- using a radiation detector and analysing results statistically
- meteor counting
- astronomical timing (stellar rises and sets, transits)

Evaluation will be through practical exercise performance, both in and out of class, together with a small written test.

A certificate 'Scientific Observer' will be awarded for satisfactory performance.