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

Degree title: Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts and Sciences

Minimum required major and supporting course work normally equates to 44-49 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 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.

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 401–Scientific Writing for Astro
11-12	MATH 220–Calculus or MATH 221–Calculus I, and
	MATH 231–Calculus II, and
	MATH 241–Calculus III, or equivalent1
12	PHYS 211–Univ Physics, Mechanics
	PHYS 212– Univ Physics, Elec & Mag
	PHYS 213– Univ Physics, Thermal Physics
	PHYS 214–Univ Physics, Quantum Phys
18	Minimum of 18 hours of 300- and 400-level astronomy and physics courses (excluding PHYS 419), of which at least 10 hours must be astronomy courses (excluding ASTR 401)

1. MATH 242–Calculus of Several Variables (3 hours) will be offered for the last time for continuing students in Fall 2006. Students who have taken MATH 220 and 230 may complete the calculus sequence by taking MATH 242 in Fall 2006.

Recommended courses for students intending to pursue graduate study in Astronomy: MATH 225 or 415, 380, 385; 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@uiuc.edu

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

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 404–Stellar Astrophysics
	ASTR 405–Solar Sys and IS Medium
	ASTR 406-Galaxies and the Universe
	ASTR 414–Astronomical Techniques
6	Additional Astronomy courses at any level (four of the six hours must be from courses other than ASTR 199 and ASTR 390)
18	Total