A327 Zaffarano
Ames, IA 50010, USA
+1 (515) 294-2219
jbsimon.astro 'at' gmail.com
I enjoy teaching courses in both astronomy and physics. In my experience, the best way to learn something is to actually do it. Thus, I am a very strong proponent of active learning at all levels, including in-class activities, discussions, and highly interactive lectures. Furthermore, I enjoy using state-of-the-art technology in my teaching.
Here are the courses that I have taught and will teach, with links where appropriate.
Computational Physics (Physics 551)
Stars, Galaxies, & Cosmology (Astronomy 150)
Course theme: Introduce students to the power and potential pitfalls of computation in physics and to always be careful with "black box" codes
Next semester to teach this course: Spring 2021
Class materials/references: Computational Physics: Problem Solving with Python (Landau et al.)
Philosophy
Course theme: A survey of astronomy for the non-scientist, with a focus on the universe beyond our solar system: stars, black holes, galaxies, cosmology, life in the universe.
Next semester to teach this course: Fall 2020
Class materials/references: Openstax Astronomy (free and online)