Pre-Major in Astronomy Program

(Pre-MAP)

Pre-MAP’s long term goal is to double the number of underrepresented students majoring in

Astronomy.● This will result in a 10% increase in the number of astronomy degrees given at the UW.

● We will accomplish this by focussing on retention.

Pre-MAP• Smooth their transition from high school into college

• Provide them with exciting astronomy research opportunities and committed mentoring

• Encourage them to pursue a life in science.

• Attract underrepresented students to the U.W. Astronomy Department

• Meet other like-minded freshman and Astronomy graduate students & faculty

• See if a career in scientific research is what they really want

Pre-MAP– The Pre-MAP team help our students:

● Connect to astronomy research projects● Identify resources & opportunities at UW● Navigate UW bureaucracy (yup, lots of red

tape)● Make their first year at the UW a success

● The Pre-MAP seminar is small & supportive● Astro 102 also small & more advanced● Collaboration with Astronomy faculty &

grads● Mentoring for your whole first year● As you know... Astronomy research is cool!

Benefi

ts

Astro 102ASTR 102 Introduction to Astronomy (5) NW, QSR

“Emphasis on mathematical and physical comprehension of nature, the sun, stars, galaxies, and cosmology. Designed for students who have had algebra and trigonometry and high school or introductory level college physics…”

The Pre-Map SeminarASTR 190C Topics in Astronomy (3) NW ● Tutorials & homework introduce research

tools and introductory computing skills● Pick a research project & work in groups

of 2-3 students for 2nd half of the quarter● Give final presentations to the class and

faculty advisors about research

● Continue with research after 1st quarter if you enjoy the project● Present research at undergraduate research symposium in the spring

A Sample Schedule● Astronomy 102 (5), MW 10:30 – 11:50

am● Astro 102 section, TTH 10:30-11:20 am● Pre-MAP Seminar (3), MW 3:30-4:50 pm

● Computer Programming I (4) , MWF 9:30-10:20 am

● Computer Prog section, Th 1:30-2:20 pm

● Drama 101: Introduction to the Theater (5)

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Sample Research Project #1: Gravitational Lensing

of QSOs● Quasars (QSOs) emit tons of light● It comes from energy released as

matter falls onto a supermassive black hole

● Look for“gravitationally lensed”QSOs (light being bent by mass!) in data fromHubble Space Telescope

Sample Research Project #2: Supernova Search with

SDSS● Supernovae (SN) are distant

explosions of dying stars

● They are some ofthe brightest & most violent events

● Use new Sloan survey data and, by subtracting images, look for bright new objects that might be Supernovae!

Pre-MAP

Website

Pre-MAP Cohort 1 Observing

at APO

Pre-MAP’s First Year

Pre-MAP