RANDY L. PHELPS

This is the Teaching Page for Randy L. Phelps.

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Astronomy at the California State University, Sacramento

Astronomy courses at the California State University, Sacramento (CSUS) are offered through the Department of Physics and Astronomy.  Although one cannot major in astronomy at CSUS, a minor in astronomy is available. For students wishing to pursue a career in astronomy, an undergraduate physics major is actually the best option.  For more information about the astronomy offerings in the Department, please see the webpage for the CSUS Department of Physics and Astronomy.

My CSUS Courses

In the Fall of 1998 I joined the faculty of the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the CSUS.  Professor Christopher Taylor and I are responsible for the astronomy offerings, including our lower division (Astronomy 4 and Astronomy 6) courses, as well as our upper division (Astronomy 131 and Astronomy 132) courses.  From time to time, additional special interest courses (e.g., Astronomy 199) may be offered, depending upon student interest and demand.  Several sections of the lower division courses are taught by other full-time and part-time members of the Department of Physics and Astronomy.  Please check the current course catalog to determine which courses are offered in the current and/or upcoming semester, and who the instructor is or will be.

Click here for the Astronomy 004 Page (Semester: Spring 2007)

Click here for the Astronomy 131 Page (Semester: Fall 2006)

Click here for the Astronomy 132 Page (Semester: )

Click here for the Astronomy 199 Page (Semester: )

Special Module on the Universal Nature of Gravity

Astronomy at the University of California, Davis

I also hold a position as Adjunct Associate Professor in the Department of Physics at the University of California, Davis.  From time to time I teach courses there as well.

Click here for the Astronomy 010 Page (Semester: )

Professional Contributions to Education

Although teaching and astronomy research are my main professional activities, I do contribute to the enhancement of astronomy education through various means.  I served a three year appointment (June 2001 - 2003) on the Astronomy Education Board (AEB) of the American Astronomical Society, the professional society of astronomers in the United States.  I also, from time to time, make educational contributions at professional meetings and other venues. Some of those presentations are accessible from the link below.

Click here to access teaching-related presentations

Astronomy at the National Science Foundation

During the 2003/04, 2004/05 and 2005/06 academic years, I served as the Program Director for Education and Special Projects in the Division of Astronomical Sciences, at the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) in Arlington, Virginia.  For more information on the NSF, see the link below.

Click here to learn more about the National Science Foundation

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Last Updated 18 May, 2006.