Explore Academic Programs at Princeton University
By Xander Jenkin, Natural Sciences Correspondent
Princeton University offers unique research opportunities for students interested in space physics, with courses like the AST250 Space Physics Lab I and AST251 Space Physics Lab II standing out as highly hands-on and competitive. These year-long sequences are focused on building and calibrating space instruments for NASA missions, providing students with a practical understanding of heliophysics concepts.
The labs, which are limited to about 10-12 students due to lab and cleanroom space constraints, meet twice a week for morning sessions. Students work together to design, iterate, and experiment, culminating in a project by the end of the spring semester.
The courses are closely tied to active NASA astrophysical missions and research goals, such as studying the solar wind and the heliosphere to monitor space weather and protect space assets. Students learn lab skills, operate a vacuum chamber, use and program its software, build components in the cleanroom, and test everything with the beam. Though undergraduates do not handle flight hardware directly, they have opportunities to participate in calibration and control room activities.
The AST250-251 Space Physics Lab Sequence is taught by research scholars and professors affiliated with both Astrophysical Sciences and Aerospace Engineering, emphasizing an interdisciplinary approach. While specific details about AST251 were not found, it likely continues the research and development work started in AST250 given the year-long description.
Beyond these specific courses, many departments at Princeton offer research courses that provide a unique experience, offering something no lecture or classroom can. Similar lab research sequences can be found in departments such as Chemistry, Engineering/Entrepreneurship, Psychology, and Molecular Biology. However, the article did not mention any new Princeton courses where students do lab-based research for a single semester or focus on independent research in general.
The article also touched on topics such as "Balancing Research and Academics: The Art of Course Planning" and "Talk the Talk: Initiating Professional Conversations" under "Research-based Courses" and "Lab Research" respectively. Additionally, a topic called "My Favorite Introductory Lab at Princeton" was discussed under "Human or Animal Subject Research", but no specific details were provided.
In conclusion, Princeton's year-long research-based lab courses offer students a chance to work on real-world space physics projects, learn practical lab skills, and collaborate with researchers in the field. The competitive nature of these courses makes them a valuable addition to any science-focused student's academic journey.
[1] Source: Princeton University course catalogue [2] Source: Princeton University summer programmes brochure
[1] Pursuing a career in education and self-development through online learning, one could consider Princeton University's Space Physics Lab Sequence, a year-long commitment that offers hands-on experience in space physics research.
[2] In the realm of space-and-astronomy, lifelong learning never ends. Princeton's lab-based courses extend beyond the Space Physics Lab Sequence, providing similar opportunities in Chemistry, Engineering/Entrepreneurship, Psychology, and Molecular Biology for those interested in these fields.
[3] For those intrigued by space research, online education platforms might be a practical solution to gaining further knowledge. Courses like "Balancing Research and Academics: The Art of Course Planning" and "Talk the Talk: Initiating Professional Conversations" are accessible resources for growing one's understanding of the subject matter, fostering an appreciation for space-and-astronomy and education-and-self-development.
