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 minor in a second field such as chemistry, computer science, geology, or mathematics. 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. All students, especially those interested in pursuing astronomy research as a career, should take part in independent study or research projects with faculty members as part of the astronomy major curriculum.
MAJOR IN SCIENCES AND LETTERS CURRICULUM
Degree title: Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts and Sciences
Minimum required major and supporting course work normally equates to 44-48 hours.
General education: The LAS General Education requirements (see page 130) are set up so that students automatically complete the Campus General Education requirements. The exceptions to this are the Campus Composition II and the Western Cultures requirements which must also be completed.
Minimum hours required for graduation: 120 hours
Departmental distinction. A student majoring in astronomy may earn distinction by attaining a minimum grade-point average of 3.5 in 300-level astronomy, math, and physics courses. Students desiring distinction should consult with an astronomy adviser before the senior year.
HOURS REQUIREMENTS 3-6
Select from: or or 10-11
Math: select from the following: or 12
PHYCS 111-General Physics ( Mechanics),
PHYCS 112-General Physics (Electricity and Magnetism),
PHYCS 113-General Physics (Fluids and Thermal Physics) and PHYCS 114-General Physics (Waves and Quantum Physics)18
Minimum of 18 hours of 300-level astronomy and physics courses (excluding PHYCS 319), of which at least 10 hours must be in astronomy courses 1
ASTR 301-Scientific Writing for Astronomers Recommended courses for students intending to pursue graduate study in Astronomy: MATH 225 or MATH 315, MATH 280 , MATH 285, PHYCS 225, PHYCS 301, PHYCS 326, PHYCS 335, PHYCS 336, PHYCS 361, PHYCS 365, PHYCS 386, PHYCS 387
Twelve hours advanced level (300 or approved 200 ) 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.
HOURS REQUIREMENTS 12
Select from the following:
ASTR 100-Perspectives in Astronomy
ASTR 121-The Solar System
ASTR 122-Stars and Galaxies
ASTR 210-General Astronomy
ASTR 304-Astrophysics, I
ASTR 305-Astrophysics, II
ASTR 314-Astronomical Techniques6
Additional Astronomy courses at any level (four of the six hours must be from courses other than ASTR 199 and ASTR 290) 18
Total NOTE: Credit in ASTR 100, 121, 122, and 210 may be mutually exclusive (see the Courses Catalog for details).