What is Project Intro Astro?

In 2009, the University of North Carolina (UNC) began implementing a new introductory astronomy curriculum, consisting of two lecture courses and what in the end will be two lab courses.

The lab courses in particular are unique in that students use robotic telescopes that we have built in the Chilean Andes, and are in the process of of building and refurbishing at multiple sites around the world.

The new curriculum proved to be overwhelmingly popular, with enrollment in all of our introductory astronomy courses increasing by 121% in four years. (Follow-up enrollment in astronomy-track majors and minors increased by approximately 240%.)

Currently, approximately one-quarter of all undergraduate students at UNC take at least one of these courses before they graduate.  Other institutions are now offering our courses as well.

The goal of Project Intro Astro is to expand access to these courses to everyone, in four ways:

  • For Certificate:  Take either the lecture or lab courses at your own pace. Course assignments and supplementary materials are available through WebAssign. Assignments are graded by WebAssign automatically.  Earn 50% of the points and receive a Certificate of Completion.  Earn 75% of the points and receive a Certificate of Mastery.
  • For Transfer Credit:  Take either the lecture or lab courses with other students Fall, Spring, or Summer semesters through UNC’s Carolina Courses Online program and receive college credit and a grade.  Interact with Prof. Reichart and the other students in your class through online discussion forums.  UNC is a top-five ranked public university, so the credit should transfer virtually anywhere.
  • For Use at Other Institutions:  Educators, if you are interested in using this curriculum, or components of it, at your institution, follow the For Educators links to the right.

For additional information about each course, follow the Our Courses links to the right, or email Prof. Reichart at introastro dot unc dot edu