The extrasolar planet finder group study at the University of Birmingham

In this paper I describe a student-led group project undertaken as part of the physics and astrophysics degree at the University of Birmingham, on the subject of finding extrasolar planets. The group project involves exposing the student to exciting new astrophysics, in the context of a research-like environment. The main focus of the study is on the student group developing plans for an optimal strategy for a planet-finding programme. To do this, the students have to study the techniques involved in planet finding and parameters of the likely planets and synthesize a strategy from this. The subject of planet finding is scientifically very approachable and is a young and fast-moving field; consequently it gives rise to lively, varied and interesting project work.