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Astronomy

Astronomy

The major in astronomy, administered by the Department of Astronomy, is based upon both a broad and an in-depth exploration into astronomy and allied disciplines, and is an excellent way to gain a general science education. It may be chosen by students who wish to have an astronomy research career or an astronomy background for use in related fields, such as working in national laboratories, observatories, planetariums, NASA, aerospace industry, many computer-related fields, journalism, or science writing to name a few. Astronomy courses can also be customized to satisfy a secondary field for the undergraduate curriculum in General Engineering.

Astronomy students are also encouraged to double major or minor in a second field such as chemistry, computer science, geology, mathematics or physics. Specific programs of study in other areas such as biology, economics, English, history, or journalism for individual students can be designed and periodically updated through mutual discussions between the students and their academic advisers.

The Department of Astronomy also sponsors the Minor in Astronomy.

Major in Sciences and Letters Curriculum

E-mail: astronomy@illinois.edu

Degree title: Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts and Sciences

Minimum required major and supporting course work normally equates to 48-49 hours.

General education: Students must complete the Campus General Education requirements.

Minimum hours required for graduation: 120 hours

Departmental distinction. A student majoring in astronomy may earn distinction or high distinction by attaining a minimum grade point average of 3.5 or 3.75, respectively, in 300- and 400-level astronomy, math, and physics courses. Students desiring distinction should consult with an astronomy adviser before the senior year.

1. Students without a background in physics or astronomy are encouraged to take ASTR 121 and ASTR 122 during their freshman year. 

2. Requires concurrent enrollment in ASTR 404, 405, 406, or 414.

3. Other 300- or 400-level technical classes, e.g. physics, chemistry, computer science or engineering, can be substituted with academic adviser approval.

4. A maximum of 4 hours of credit in ASTR 390 (or equivalent "Independent Study" course, such as PHYS 497, with academic adviser approval) can be counted towards this requirement.

5. MATH 220 may be substituted for MATH 221.  MATH 220 is appropriate for students with no background in calculus.

Recommended courses for students intending to pursue graduate study in Astronomy: MATH 284, 285, or 286; MATH 225 or 415; PHYS 325, 326, 401, 427, 435, 436, 479, 486, 487.

Twelve hours of 300- and 400-level Astronomy/Physics courses must be taken on this campus.

All foreign language requirements must be satisfied.

Minor in Astronomy

The minor in astronomy is designed to broaden the student's knowledge of science and our place in the universe. The minor in Astronomy will benefit especially those students who are eager to learn astronomy but who do not anticipate it to be their career. The Astronomy minor is also suitable for students who intend to pursue careers in areas that may benefit from a good knowledge of astronomy such as aerospace industry, science writing, scientific journalism, or science teaching in schools.

E-mail: astronomy@illinois.edu

Web address for department: http://www.astro.illinois.edu/

1.  Credit not granted for both ASTR 100 and the ASTR 121/122 sequence.

2.  No more than 4 hours of ASTR 390 (Independent Study) will be counted towards the minor.