< College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

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

E-mail: astronomy@uiuc.edu

Web address for most current program requirements:
http://www.las.uiuc.edu/students/programs/ASTR/f_ASTR.shtml

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 are set up so students automatically complete the Campus General Education requirements.

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 one group of courses:

          ASTR 100-Perspectives in Astronomy

        or

          ASTR 121-The Solar System, and 

          ASTR 122-Stars and Galaxies 

        or

          ASTR 210-General Astronomy (strongly preferred)

1         ASTR 301-Scientific Writing for Astronomers

10-11     Math: select one group of courses:

          MATH 120-Calculus and Analytic Geometry, I, and 

          MATH 130-Calculus and Analytic Geometry, II, and 

          MATH 242-Calculus of Several Variables, or equivalent

        or

          MATH 135-Calculus, and 

          MATH 245-Calculus, II

12        PHYCS 111-General Physics (Mechanics) 

          PHYCS 112-General Physics (Electricity and Magnetism) 

          PHYCS 113-General Physics (Fluids and Thermal Physics) 

          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 astronomy courses 

           (excluding ASTR 301)

Recommended courses for students intending to pursue graduate study in Astronomy: MATH 225 or 315, 280 , 285; PHYCS 225, 301, 326, 335, 336, 361, 365, 386, 387.

Twelve hours of advanced-level (300- and approved 200-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@uiuc.edu

Web address for most current program requirements:
http://www.las.uiuc.edu/students/programs/ASTR/f_ASTR.shtml

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 Techniques

6         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).

< College of Liberal Arts and Sciences