2010-2011 University Catalog

Astronomy, BS

Banner Code: SC-BS-ASTR

The BS in astronomy prepares students for graduate school or one of the many careers in research or teaching positions, or employment in industry, business, or education fields where analytical skills and a scientific background are advantageous. Students who are considering a double major in the fields of mathematics, science, computer science, and engineering should talk to the undergraduate coordinator. Note that at least 18 credits used to fulfill an astronomy BS cannot be used to fulfill another major or minor. Some course substitutions are allowed for double majors, but these must be approved in writing in advance.

Students must fulfill all requirements for bachelor’s degrees including university general education requirements . In addition, students must complete a total of 39 credits in physics and astronomy and 17 credits in mathematics with a minimum GPA of 2.00. Through the course work below, astronomy majors satisfy the university wide requirements in natural science and quantitative reasoning. Also, by taking ASTR 402, they satisfy the university’s writing-intensive requirement.

This program of study is offered by the College of Science.

Degree Requirements

9 credits from the following:

(at least 6 credits must be in upper-level courses)

any preapproved BIOL, CHEM, MATH, or PHYS courses

ASTR 302 - Foundations of Cosmological Thought Credits: 3
ASTR 401 - Computer Simulation in Astronomy Credits: 3
ASTR 408 - Senior Research Credits: 3
ASTR 409 - Astronomy Internship Credits: 3
ASTR 530 - Astrophysics Credits: 3
ASTR 535 - Space Instrumentation and Exploration Credits: 3
CS 112 - Introduction to Computer Programming Credits: 4
MATH 203 - Linear Algebra Credits: 3
MATH 446 - Numerical Analysis I Credits: 3
MATH 447 - Numerical Analysis II Credits: 3
PHYS 121 - Uses of Physics Credits: 1
PHYS 122 - Inside Relativity Credits: 1
PHYS 123 - Inside the Quantum World Credits: 1
PHYS 124 - Experimental Explorations in Physics Credits: 1
PHYS 251 - Introduction to Computer Techniques in Physics Credits: 3
PHYS 303 - Classical Mechanics Credits: 3
PHYS 307 - Thermal Physics Credits: 3
PHYS 510 - Computational Physics I Credits: 3
PHYS 575 - Atmospheric Physics I Credits: 3

Areas of Emphasis

In meeting the above requirements, students may choose an area of emphasis. Students who wish to complete an emphasis should plan a program of study in consultation with their advisors. Some emphases listed below require more than 9 credits in the last category above.

Emphasis in Astrobiology

This emphasis prepares students for careers in research, teaching, or science journalism. Students must take the following, and complete a senior project or internship.

BIOL 213 - Cell Structure and Function Credits: 4
BIOL 305 - Biology of Microorganisms Credits: 3
BIOL 506 - Selected Topics in Microbiology Credits: 1-4
ASTR 408 - Senior Research Credits: 3
or
ASTR 409 - Astronomy Internship Credits: 3

Emphasis in Computational Astronomy

This emphasis prepares students planning for computation and information-related jobs in industry and government labs. Students must take 9 credits of the following. In addition, they should complete a senior project or internship.

ASTR 401 - Computer Simulation in Astronomy Credits: 3
PHYS 251 - Introduction to Computer Techniques in Physics Credits: 3
or
PHYS 510 - Computational Physics I Credits: 3
MATH 446 - Numerical Analysis I Credits: 3
or
MATH 447 - Numerical Analysis II Credits: 3
ASTR 408 - Senior Research Credits: 3
or
ASTR 409 - Astronomy Internship Credits: 3

Emphasis in Graduate School Preparation

This emphasis prepares students for graduate study in observational or theoretical astronomy. Student must take two courses from the following. They should complete a senior project or internship in the specialty that they intend to pursue in graduate school.