Astronomy, B.A.

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Requirements for the Astronomy Major:

Eleven courses including two introductory physics courses

another two-course sequence in science

and

AST 051 - Introduction to Astronomy
or
AST 100 - Introduction to Astrophysics
and
AST 050 - The Solar System
or
AST 105 - Introduction to Planetary Science
or
GEO 303 - Geophysics
and
AST 230 - Observational Astronomy
or
AST 240 - Radio Astronomy
PHY 490 - Physics Research 1 *
PHY 491 - Physics Research 2
or
PHY 493 - Physics 1 Term Research
*(PHY 490 (zero credit) is required for all students, whether continuing on with 491 or 493)

and three courses selected from the following:

PHY 230 - Intermediate Classical Mechanics
AST 052 - Relativity, Black Holes, and Quasars
AST 058 - Astrobiology: Life in the Universe
AST 200 - Stellar Structure and Evolution
AST 210 - Galaxies
AST 220 - Cosmology and General Relativity
AST 290 - Astronomy Practicum 1
and
AST 291 - Astronomy Practicum 2
and
AST 292 - Astronomy Practicum 3
and
AST 230 - Observational Astronomy
or
AST 240 - Radio Astronomy
(whichever is not counted as a required course)

Additional Requirements

Students wishing to pursue graduate work in astronomy are advised to major in physics and minor in astrophysics.

MTH 113 - Accelerated Single-Variable Calculus
and
one science course outside the department (if all other requirements are fulfilled only in Physics and Astronomy Department).

Requirements for Honors in Physics and Astronomy:

In addition to the requirements for the major, the student must take PHY 491 , submit an honors thesis, and satisfy College requirements for departmental honors.