1. Astronomy A201-A202, A305, A320, and A451.
2. Physics P221-P222, P301, P331-P332, and two of P441, P442, P453, or P454.
3. Mathematics M211, M212, M311, and M343.

Recommendations
The following additional physics courses are highly recommended for students planning graduate study in astronomy and astrophysics: P321, P340, P360, and an additional 400-level sequence (P441-P442 or P453-P454). Other suggested courses are Physics P309, P400, P401; Mathematics M312, M344; Computer Science A201-A202 or C211-C212; Geological Sciences G121; History and Philosophy of Science X222, X390, X391; Chemistry C105-C125, C106-C126.

Return to Top

Minor in Astronomy and Astrophysics

A program leading to a minor in astronomy and astrophysics is provided for students who have a serious interest in the field but do not plan to major in the subject. To obtain a minor in astronomy and astrophysics, a student must take the following courses: two 100-level astronomy courses (all combinations are acceptable except A100 and A110, or A105 and A110, or A105 and COAS E105: Gravity: The Great Attractor), A201, A202, and one of A305, A320, or A451. Altogether, these provide at least 15 credit hours. A student must take all necessary prerequisites, including some mathematics and physics classes. Substitution of other astronomy courses may be made with the permission of the department. Replacement of 100-level astronomy courses by 300- or 400-level astronomy courses is encouraged. The cumulative GPA of all courses taken for the minor must be at least 2.0.

Return to Top

Departmental Honors Program

The honors program is designed for superior students who plan to pursue graduate studies in astronomy and astrophysics. Students wishing to pursue the honors program should contact the undergraduate advisor in the Department of Astronomy during the second semester of their sophomore year or first semester of their junior year. To be admitted to the honors program, students must have a minimum overall GPA of 3.3 and a minimum GPA of 3.3 in their astronomy, mathematics, and physics courses. Students must maintain these GPAs to receive a degree with honors in astronomy and astrophysics.

In the honors program, students complete the same requirements as the regular B.S. in astronomy and astrophysics and in addition take Astronomy S499 Honors Research. Astronomy S499 is to be taken one or both semesters during the senior year, and counts for 3 credits each time it is taken. Students will carry out research supervised by a faculty member in the department. During the second semester of the senior year, the student will write a research report and make an oral presentation describing the work to the Department of Astronomy in a mini-colloquium.

Recommended Schedule for Honors Astronomy and Astrophysics Program

Freshman
Astronomy A201-A202 (Students with good high school preparation in physics and mathematics are encouraged to take A201-A202 during the freshman year.)
Mathematics M211-M212
Physics P221-P222

Sophomore
Astronomy A201-A202 (if not taken during freshman year)
Mathematics M311 and M343
Physics P301

Junior
Astronomy A305 and A320, or A451 (A305-A320 and A451 are offered in alternative years).
Physics P331-P332 and P453 (if taking the P453-P454 sequence). (P453 is taught in the spring semester, and P454 is taught in the fall semester.)

Senior
Astronomy A305 and A320, or A451, and S499
Physics P441-P442 or P454

Note: A100, A105, A110, and A115 are introductory astronomy courses of comparable difficulty. No one of them is considered a prerequisite for any other. A110 is a survey of all modern astronomy in one course. A100 and A105 divide the A110 material into two parts. Taken together, A100 and A105 cover essentially the same material as A110 but in greater depth. A115 is an introduction to cosmology that also covers many topics in basic astronomy.

Return to Top

Course Descriptions

A100 The Solar System (3 cr.) N & M Celestial sphere, constellations, apparent motions of celestial objects, eclipses, history of astronomy, astronomical observations, the Earth as a planet, the Moon, the planets and their satellites, comets, meteors, theories of the origin of the solar system. Credit not given for both A100 and A110. I Sem., II Sem., SS.
A105 Stars and Galaxies (3 cr.) N & M Introduction to the physical universe. Topics include constellations, gravity, radiation, the Sun, structure and evolution of stars, neutron stars and black holes, the Milky Way galaxy, normal galaxies, active galaxies, quasars, cosmology, and the search for extraterrestrial life. Credit given for only one of A105, A110, or COAS E105 Gravity: The Great Attractor. I Sem., II Sem., SS.
A110 Introduction to Astronomy (3 cr.) N & M Earth as a planet, satellites, and comets. The Sun. Properties of stars, stellar systems. Extragalactic objects. The nature of the observable universe. Credit not given for both A100 and A110, nor for both A105 and A110. I Sem., II Sem., SS.
A115 Birth and Death of the Universe (3 cr.) N & M Introduction to cosmology. Traces the ideas describing the origin and evolution of the universe from ancient geocentric cosmologies to the Big Bang cosmology. Labs will concentrate on observational astronomy. A115 does not count toward the astronomy or the astrophysics major. A115 will not be counted with A110.
A201-A202 General Astronomy I-II (3-3 cr.) N & M P: College algebra and trigonometry or high school equivalent. For physical science majors. Introduction to modern astronomy and astrophysics, including basic principles of mechanics, optics, and radiation. Topics include solar system, stars, interstellar matter, galaxies, cosmology, and observational astronomy from radio to gamma rays. A201, I Sem.; A202, II Sem.
A305 Modern Observational Techniques (4 cr.) P: A201-A202, calculus, PHYS P201-P202 or P221-P222, consent of instructor. Telescopes, astronomical imaging, spectroscopic and photometric observations, and reductions. I Sem.
A320 Computational Problems in Astronomy (3 cr.) P: A201-A202, MATH M212, PHYS P221-P222. R: previous computer experience is helpful. Problem-solving exercises in stellar astronomy, galaxies, and astronomical spectroscopy. Topics include orbital solutions of binary stars, structure of the Milky Way, and astronomical distance scales.
A390 Reading Course (1-3 cr.) P: A201, A202, consent of instructor. May be taken for a maximum of 6 credits. I Sem., II Sem., SS.
A451 Introductory Astrophysics (3 cr.) P: Calculus, PHYS P301 or equivalent. Application of basic physical principles to investigation of the solar system, stars, the Milky Way galaxy, other galaxies, and cosmology.
S499 Honors Research (3-6 cr.) P: Consent of director of undergraduate studies. Students will carry out astronomical research closely supervised by a faculty member in the department. Students will write a research report and given an oral presentation during the second semester of their senior year. May be taken two semesters for a maximum of 6 credit hours.

Return to Top