Modern Research (Introductory Astronomy 2B) is a course given at the Kapteyn Institute of the University of Groningen intended to introduce students to the concepts and methodology of modern astronomical research. The course has traditionally had lecture, problem-solving, and practical components. Some years ago a small experiment was performed: students were asked to formulate and answer an astronomical question by making use of recent bibliographic and web-based astronomical information. At the end of the experiment, the students linked the knowledge that they gained to the rest of the ``Web world.'' The method was deemed so successful that it now one of the primary modes of instruction in Introductory Astronomy Curriculum at Kapteyn Institute, replacing problem-sets and the original practical components (which have moved to other courses.)

What is the Purpose of the Research Project?

Study a topic of very recent activity in astronomical research

Become acquainted with and begin to critically read modern research literature

Examine the role of assumption, uncertainty and conflicting evidence in scientific discourse

Learn to work collaboratively and responsibly

Why use the Web?

Become acquainted with the growing number of electronically-available resources for research and study.

Use a medium that is amenable to the inclusion of electronic and graphic data

Share the outcome of the learning process with someone other than the instructor

Create a permanent, flexible archive for eventual access by the whole of the electronic community

Web links:

- astro-ph

- ADS

- Annual Reviews Astronomy & Astrophysics

The Coma Cluster of Galaxies
Optical (left) and X-ray (right)