Application for Student Computer and Technology Fee
Innovative Project Grant1

 

 

Unit.  College/School/Department:

Harriot College of Arts and Sciences/Physics

 

In Cooperation with (Optional):
	(Name of Cooperating Unit)

 

Name of Project Director:

J. M. Joyce

 

Campus Address:

HSC-C209

Phone Number:

252-328-6739

 

E-Mail:

joycej@mail.ecu.ecu

Total Funding Request:

$6,382.55

 

Project Title:

Upgrade of PHYS 1081 Observational Technology

 

 

Please obtain the appropriate authorization to submit this proposal (unit head), which includes acknowledging the conditions specified below.  Identify the person authorizing submission of the proposal.  That person will be contacted to confirm the authorization.

 

The unit accepts the following responsibilities and obligations if full or partial funding of its Student Computer and Technology Fee proposal is awarded:

 

1.      The Student Computer and Technology Fee monies fund proposals which are for departmental facilities for student use in instructional settings.   Any faculty use must be incidental, such as in a student laboratory setting.

2.      The project or items of a project cannot be substantively changed once the award is made.

3.      The unit is to provide insurance for the hardware or technological equipment.

4.      The unit is responsible for repairs to hardware or technological equipment that are beyond the warranty period.

5.      The unit is to provide security and adequate supervision for the hardware or technological equipment and software.

6.      The unit is to maintain the hardware or technological equipment and software in the area described by the proposal.

7.      No unit is permitted to submit more than one proposal in a given year. 

 

Name of Unit Head:

John C. Sutherland

 

Campus Address:

HSC-C209

Phone Number:

252-328-6476

Goal Statement

The goal of this effort is to maintain and improve the observational equipment for our PHYS 1081 (Physics and the Universe) students.

 

Students and Courses Affected

Currently, 240 students per semester take our PHYS 1080/1081 (Physics and the Universe) course.  PHYS 1081 is the laboratory.  This course is in heavy student demand and is fully occupied each semester.

 

Current Facilities

The premier facility for the 1081 course is an observational platform on the roof of the east tower of the Howell Science Complex featuring a 14” Celestron telescope.  This telescope is approximately 25 years old and has exceeded its expected lifetime.  Exposure to the elements and thousands of students over this time has reduced its capabilities considerably.  In addition, it was purchased before such capabilities as computer controlled pointing and GPS technology.

 

Materials Obtained by Routine SCTR Request

Equipment and Software Requested

Celestron CGE 1400 14” F/11 Telescope   $5965.00 + $417.55(Tax)       Total:  $6382.55

 

Support for the Project

The Department of Physics will provide for any costs involved in adapting the current mounting system for the new telescope.

 

Assessment of the Educational Impact of the Project

Since this proposal is for an enhancement of astronomical observations, assessment will be by qualitative analysis by faculty familiar with the old and new instruments, and by our lab manager who has extensive experience with the current laboratory.

 

Budget:  Submit quotes for the materials requested, using as much space as needed, starting on page 4 of this form.

Deliver one electronic copy of the application as an attachment to email to:  FacultySenate@mail.ecu.edu.  In the subject line of the email enter “Innovative Project Proposal from <name of unit, name of director>.”

This proposal was funded in the amount of  $6,382.55