Astronomy - Undergraduate Minor
The department offers a minor created for majors in a variety of scientific fields, and two minor emphases specifically designed to address the needs and interests of students from the Colleges of Education and Engineering. Any undergraduate, however, may pursue any of the three minor tracks.
Requirements
The requirements for the regular minor requires 19 credits, from the following:
| Prefix | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Requirements | ||
| ASTR 1115G | Introduction to Astronomy Lecture & Laboratory | 4 |
| or ASTR 1120G | The Planets Lecture & Laboratory | |
| Select two from the following: 1 | 6 | |
| Revolutionary Ideas in Astronomy | 3 | |
| The Search for Life in the Universe | 3 | |
| Into the Final Frontier | 3 | |
| Select 9 credits between the following groups: 2 | 9 | |
| Group A | ||
Select 6-9 credits from the following: 2 | ||
| Topics in Modern Astrophysics | 3 | |
| Astronomical Observations and Techniques | 3 | |
| Group B | ||
Select 3-9 credits from the following: 2,4 | ||
| Aerospace Systems Engineering | 3 | |
| Physiology of Microorganisms | 3 | |
| Evolution | 3 | |
| Ecology of Microorganisms | 3 | |
| Artificial Intelligence I | 3 | |
| Database Management Systems I | 3 | |
| Parallel Programming | 3 | |
| Physical Chemistry | 3 | |
| Physical Chemistry I | 3 | |
| Introduction to Digital Signal Processing | 3 | |
| Undergraduate Research | 3 | |
| Advanced Image Processing | 3 | |
| Digital Image Processing | 3 | |
| Antennas and Radiation | 4 | |
| Space System Mission Design and Analysis | 3 | |
| Machine Learning I | 3 | |
| Introduction to Optics | 3 | |
| Fundamentals of Photonics | 4 | |
| Engineering Capstone I | 3 | |
| Engineering Capstone II | 3 | |
| Isotope Geochemistry | 3 | |
| Complex Variables | 3 | |
| Fourier Series and Boundary Value Problems | 3 | |
| Intermediate Mechanics I | 3 | |
| Intermediate Electricity and Magnetism I | 3 | |
| Thermodynamics | 3 | |
| Statistics for Engineers and Scientists | 3 | |
| Probability: Theory and Applications | 3 | |
| Statistics: Theory and Applications | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 19 | |
- 1
Three credits of ASTR 400 Undergraduate Research may replace one of these courses.
- 2
ASTR 401 Topics in Modern Astrophysics and ASTR 402 Astronomical Observations and Techniques are the preferred classes but are generally offered only in alternate years. Three credits of ASTR 400 Undergraduate Research may replace one of these courses, but not the same three if used above.
- 3
Cross-listed with graduate classes and require special permission.
- 4
Alternative 400-level courses in the physical sciences, engineering, or related fields, including one-time seminars, may be proposed on a case-by-case basis to fulfill this requirement, drawn from the fields of astronomy, biochemistry, biology, chemistry, computer science, geology, geophysics, mathematics, physics, statistics or from engineering. Proposals should include a clear justification that connects the course materials to a particular topic in astronomy or astrophysics.
Emphasis: Education
The requirements for the education track minor requires 18-20 credits from the following:
| Prefix | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ASTR 1115G | Introduction to Astronomy Lecture & Laboratory | 4 |
| ASTR 1120G | The Planets Lecture & Laboratory | 4 |
| Select two from the following: | 6 | |
| Revolutionary Ideas in Astronomy | 3 | |
| The Search for Life in the Universe | 3 | |
| Into the Final Frontier | 3 | |
| Select 4-6 credits from the following: 5 | 4-6 | |
| Undergraduate Research | 1-3 | |
| Topics in Modern Astrophysics | 3 | |
| Astronomical Observations and Techniques | 3 | |
| Methods of Teaching Elementary School Science | 3 | |
| Teaching Science at the Middle and High School Level | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 18-20 | |
- 5
This requirement will generally be fulfilled by two 3-credit courses. Students may request the 4 credit option instead, if an appropriate topic and instructor for 1 credit of ASTR 400 Undergraduate Research are available. ASTR 401 Topics in Modern Astrophysics and ASTR 402 Astronomical Observations and Techniques are generally offered only in alternate years, and have prerequisites.
Emphasis: Engineering
The requirements for the engineering track minor requires 18-19 credits from the following:
| Prefix | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| Select 3-4 credits from the following: | 3-4 | |
| Introduction to Astronomy Lecture & Laboratory | 4 | |
| The Planets Lecture & Laboratory | 4 | |
| Calculus -Based Physics I | 3 | |
| Calculus -Based Physics II | 3 | |
| Select one from the following: | 3 | |
| Revolutionary Ideas in Astronomy | 3 | |
| The Search for Life in the Universe | 3 | |
| Into the Final Frontier | 3 | |
| Select 12 credits from the following two groups: | 12 | |
| Group A | ||
Select 6-9 credits from the following: 6 | ||
| Aerospace Capstone Design | 3 | |
| Undergraduate Research | 1-3 | |
| Topics in Modern Astrophysics 7 | 3 | |
| Astronomical Observations and Techniques 7 | 3 | |
| Undergraduate Research | 1-3 | |
| Undergraduate Research | 1-3 | |
| Group B | ||
Select 3-6 credits from the following: 9 | ||
| Aerospace Systems Engineering | 3 | |
| Physiology of Microorganisms | 3 | |
| Evolution | 3 | |
| Ecology of Microorganisms | 3 | |
| Artificial Intelligence I | 3 | |
| Database Management Systems I | 3 | |
| Parallel Programming | 3 | |
| Physical Chemistry | 3 | |
| Physical Chemistry I | 3 | |
| Antennas and Radiation | 4 | |
| Space System Mission Design and Analysis | 3 | |
| Introduction to Optics | 3 | |
| Fundamentals of Photonics | 4 | |
| Isotope Geochemistry | 3 | |
| Complex Variables | 3 | |
| Fourier Series and Boundary Value Problems | 3 | |
| Intermediate Mechanics I | 3 | |
| Intermediate Electricity and Magnetism I | 3 | |
| Thermodynamics | 3 | |
| Statistics for Engineers and Scientists | 3 | |
| Probability: Theory and Applications | 3 | |
| Statistics: Theory and Applications | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 18-19 | |
- 6
Taking any of the non-astronomy classes for this requirement requires prior approval from the head of astronomy on a case-by-case basis, with a clear connection being established between the proposed research or design project and a particular topic in astronomy or astrophysics (astronomy instrumentation or observational projects are particularly encouraged); no more than 3 non-ASTR credits can be counted toward the minor.
- 7
Generally offered in alternate years.
- 8
Cross-listed with graduate classes and require special permission.
- 9
Alternative 400-level courses in the physical sciences, engineering, or related fields, including one-time seminars, may be proposed on a case-by-case basis to fulfill this requirement, drawn from the fields of astronomy, biochemistry, biology, chemistry, computer science, geology, geophysics, mathematics, physics, statistics, or from engineering. Proposals should include a clear justification that connects the course materials to a particular topic in astronomy or astrophysics.