Astronomy Minor
Coordinator:
Thomas P. Espinola,
Department of Physics
The astronomy minor introduces the student to the universe beyond Earth. It provides the student with the opportunity to use modern scientific instrumentation, perform basic undergraduate research, and use analytical, mathematical and computation tools to investigate astronomical phenomena. It has two tracks–one for physics majors and one for all other majors. The minor is not intended, by itself, to prepare a student for a career in astronomy. Students completing a physics major and a minor in astronomy will be prepared to pursue graduate study in astronomy or astrophysics. Others completing this minor should have an adequate background to adopt astronomy as a hobby and to better understand astronomy in the popular press.
The minor in astronomy is not available to physics majors unless the student has completed a double major or another minor.
Minor Requirements
The minor requires a minimum of 16 credit hours (five courses).
1-4. Choose 4 courses from: |
16 credits |
PHYS 106 Surveying the Sky |
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PHYS 107 Solar System |
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PHYS 108 Realm of the Stars |
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PHYS 109 Beyond the Stars |
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PHYS 210 Observatory Practice |
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PHYS 443 Astrophysics |
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5. Non-science majors, must do a project in PHYS 210 or |
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a 2-credit portfolio development class |
2 credits |
Total credit hours required for non-science majors with an astronomy minor |
16-18 credits |
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5. Science majors must complete a senior thesis in astronomy, astrophysics or equivalent research project |
4 credits |
Total credit hours required for science majors with an astronomy minor |
20 credits |