Academic Catalog 2026-2027

Sep 07, 2026

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Academic Catalog 2026-2027

Astronomy Minor

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Requirements for the Minor:

The Department of Physics and Astronomy offers academic minors in physics, astronomy, and astrophysics.

Note: Physics majors are recommended to minor in Astrophysics rather than Astronomy.

Students wishing to minor in Astronomy should take:

Required core course:
AST 051 - Introduction to Astronomy
or
AST 100 - Introduction to Astrophysics
Choose a core physics group sequence
PHY 120 - Matter in Motion
PHY 121 - Principles of Electromagnetics
OR
PHY 110 - Physics for the Life Sciences 1
PHY 111 - Physics for the Life Sciences 2
Choose one from the following:
AST 050 - The Solar System
AST 250 - Planetary Science
GEO 303 - Earthquakes and the study of the Earth’s Interior

Choose two additional courses:

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
PHY 495 - Physics Independent Study 1
*Three-term Astronomy practicum option (one-credit is earned upon completion of AST-292)
AST 290 - Astronomy Practicum 1
AST 291 - Astronomy Practicum 2
AST 292 - Astronomy Practicum 3
PHY 170 - Thermal Physics
PHY 171 - Modern Physics: Particles and Waves

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