Astronomy, B.A.

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Requirements for the Astronomy Major:

Two-course sequence in introductory physics:

Two-course sequence in science

Core astronomy courses:

Take one of the following:
AST 051 - Introduction to Astronomy
AST 100 - Introduction to Astrophysics
Take one of the following:
AST 050 - The Solar System
AST 150 - (105) Introduction to Planetary Science
GEO 303 - Earthquakes and the study of the Earth’s Interior
Take one of the following:
AST 230 - Observational Astronomy
AST 240 - Radio Astronomy

Three courses selected from the following:

*Courses must be chosen in consultation with department advisor; courses must be unique, no double counting permitted.

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 230 - Observational Astronomy
AST 240 - Radio Astronomy
*Three-term Astronomy practicum option (one-credit earned upon completion of AST-292)
AST 290 - Astronomy Practicum 1
AST 291 - Astronomy Practicum 2
AST 292 - Astronomy Practicum 3

Physics 010 Requirement

A passing grade in PHY 010 (zero credit) is required for all students completing their WS requirement.

Senior Writing (WS) Requirement

Astronomy majors may fulfill the Senior Writing (WS) requirement in the following options: completing a physics one-term or the physics two-term senior thesis option; thesis research in another department if an ID or double major may also satisfy this requirement; or by special permission of the instructor and department through an additional writing component added to an upper-level course.

One-Term Thesis Option:
PHY 493 - Physics Senior Writing Project
Two-Term Thesis Option:
PHY 490 - Physics Two-Term Senior Thesis 1
PHY 491 - Physics Two-Term Senior Thesis 2

Additional Requirements

MTH 113 - Accelerated Single-Variable Calculus
One science course outside the department (if all other requirements are fulfilled only in Physics and Astronomy Department).
Students are expected to attend the weekly departmental colloquium series to gain an appreciation for current research in physics related areas.

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

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.