Course Description
See the Astronomy Week page (in German) of the Astronomical Institute: Studium: Astrowoche - Astronomisches Institut
Astronomy Week constitutes the astronomy laboratory course offered in the 5th (or alternatively 3rd) semester. The objective of this practical course is for students to independently conduct an astronomical experiment. The process includes the preparation of a proposal, observations with a telescope, data analysis, and a final presentation of the results. The course is organized as a one-week block course during the lecture-free period. Observations are carried out outdoors at night using telescopes. Motivation and creativity are key elements of Astronomy Week.
According to the regular curriculum, this practical course is scheduled for the 5th semester. Students in their 5th semester are given priority in registration; however, it is also possible to complete the course in the 3rd semester or to take it as an elective.
If a student enrolled in the Astronomy minor is unable to participate in Astronomy Week during the 5th semester, a comparable project may be conducted at the Observatory in Zimmerwald. In this case, there is no overnight stay; instead, the practical work is carried out over approximately four individual evening sessions. The structure of the course (proposal, preparatory session, observations, and final report) remains the same.
