Astronomy and Astrophysics
Professors. George E. McCluskey, Jr., Ph.D. (Pennsylvania), head; Gary G. DeLeo, Ph.D.(Connecticut).
Assistant Professors. M. Virginia McSwain, Ph.D. (Georgia State).
Astronomy and Astrophysics are offered in the department of Physics.
Astrophysicists apply physics and mathematics to the study of planets, stars, galaxies, pulsars, black holes, quasars and the universe, among many other fascinating objects in order to understand their origin, evolution and ultimate fate. Students who major in astronomy or astrophysics usually have very inquisitive minds and a good aptitude for physics and mathematics. The bachelor degree programs in astronomy and astrophysics provide the student with a solid background in laboratory and theoretical astrophysics as well as in the fundamentals of physics and mathematics. Research opportunities are available to supplement classroom instruction.
The bachelor of science degree in astrophysics is designed for students who wish to go on to graduate studies in astrophysics with the goal of becoming professional astronomers. Professional astronomers generally find positions at colleges, and universities, national labs, NASA or its contractors and in various space industries. This degree also prepares you for many jobs in related fields such as computer science, mathematics or physics.
The bachelor of arts degree in astronomy is intended for students who desire a broad background in astronomy, mathematics and physics but do not plan to do graduate work in astrophysics. With this broad background, the student is well prepared in many fields of endeavor, including planetarium and museum work, teaching astronomy at colleges and universities, secondary educa tion, science writing, or, in fact, in many professions in which the ability to learn is critical.
Both of these degrees can be profitably combined with mathematics and other sciences producing excellent double majors or double degrees.
A minor program in astronomy is also available for students who wish to enlarge their potential for a career choice or who may be eager to learn more about astrophysics than an introductory course can provide.
Astronomy and Astrophysics Degree Programs
Requirements for the Bachelor of Arts degree in astronomy:
Mathematics
MATH 21, 22, 23, and 205 | [15] |
Basic and Intermediate-Level Science
MATH 21, 22, 23, and 205 | [15] |
ASTR 7/8 | (4) |
PHY 11/12 or 10/12 | (5) |
PHY 21/22 or 13/14 | (4-5) |
PHY 31, 262 | (5) |
CHM 30 | (4) |
EES 21, 22 | (4) |
24 cr. hr. at 100 level or above | (2-4) |
| [28-31] |
Intermediate - Advanced Astronomy/Astrophysics
ASTR/PHY/EES 105 | (4) |
ASTR/PHY 110 | (1) |
ASTR/PHY 301 or 302 | (4) |
| [9] |
Approved Electives
Two additional physics/astronomy courses at the 200 level or above | (6) |
Two additional science or mathematics courses at the 200 level or above | (6) |
| [12] |
Approved Electives are subject to the approval of the student’s advisor, and should be chosen to provide a coherent program.
Recommended courses are MATH 12, PHY 212, EES 31, BIOS 41.
A total of 120 credit hours are required for the Bachelor of Arts in Astronomy.
Requirements for the Bachelor of Science degree in Astrophysics
Mathematics
MATH 21, 22, 23, 205, (320 or 332) | [18] |
Basic and Intermediate-Level Science
PHY 11/12 or 10/12 | (5) |
PHY 21/22 or 13/14 | (4-5) |
PHY 31, 212, 215, (262 or 352) | (12-13) |
CHM 30 | (4) |
EES 21, 22 | (4) |
2-4 cr. hr. at 100 level or above | (2-4) |
| [31-35] |
Intermediate - Advanced Astronomy/Astrophysics
ASTR/PHY/EES 105 | (4) |
ASTR/PHY 110 | (1) |
ASTR/PHY 301, 302 | (8) |
ASTR/PHY (332 or 342 or 350) | (3) |
| [16] |
Approved Electives
Three additional physics/astronomy courses at the 200 level or above | (9) |
One additional science course (not physics or astronomy) at the 100 level or above | (3) |
| [12] |
A total of 123 credit hours are required for the Bachelor of Science in Astrophysics.
Recommended sequence of courses for the first two years
B.A. Astronomy | B.S. Physics | |||
Fall | Spring | Fall | Spring |
Freshman Year
ENGL 1 (3) | ENGL 2, 4 (3) | ENGL 1 (3) | ENGL 2, 4 (3) |
EES 21 (4) | PHY 11 (4) | PHY 11 (4) | EES 21 (4) |
MATH 21 (4) | PHY 12 (1) | PHY 12 (1) | MATH 22 (4) |
ASTR 7/8 (4) | MATH 22 (4) | MATH 21 (4) | Col Sem and/or Dist Req (3-6) |
| Col Sem (3-4) | Col Sem or* Dist req (3-4) |
|
Sophomore Year
PHY 21 (4) | PHY 31 (3) | PHY 21 (4) | PHY 31 (3) |
PHY 22 (1) | MATH 205 (3) | PHY 22 (1) | MATH 205(3) |
MATH 23 (4) | ASTR 110 (1) | MATH 23 (4) | ASTR 110 (1) |
ASTR 105 (4) | Appr. Elec. (3) | ASTR 105 (4) | Appr. Elec. (3) |
Dist req (3-4) | Dist req (4-7) | Dist req (3-4) | Dist req (4-7) |
* If the College Seminar is deferred until spring, students may choose to select ASTR 7 by deferring a distribution requirement.
Departmental Honors in Astronomy or Astrophysics. Students receiving a BA in Astronomy or a BS in Astrophysics may earn Departmental Honors by satisfying the following requirements:
Academic Performance: Minimum grade point average of 3.50 in astronomy and physics courses used to satisfy the major degree requirements.
Research or Project-Based/Creative Activity: completion of approved* special topics courses in astronomy that include written reports, or completion of 6 credits of PHY 273 (research) or equivalent, or completion of a summer research project with written report and oral presentation
Additional Course Work: Completion of at least one approved* 300-level course in either physics or astronomy beyond those required in the student’s degree program. This course may not be selected from special topics or research courses such as ASTR/PHY 350 or PHY 372.
*specific approvals are granted by the Program Director
The minor program in Astronomy. The requirements for a minor in astronomy are:
PHY 11/12 and 21/22
ASTR 105, 301, and 302
One ASTR course at the 300 level
Two courses (minimum of 6 credit hours) selected from the following:
Any ASTR course (except ASTR 7 or 8) CSC 17, MATH 208, 231, PHY 31, 213, 215, 348, 362.
The minor program must be designed in consultation with the program director.
Undergraduate Courses in Astronomy/Astrophysics
ASTR 7. (PHY 7) Introduction to Astronomy (3) fall
Introduction to planetary, stellar, galactic, and extragalactic astronomy. An examination of the surface characteristics, atmospheres, and motions of planets and other bodies in our solar system. Properties of the sun, stars, and galaxies, including the birth and death of stars, stellar explosions, and the formation of stellar remnants such as white dwarfs, neutron stars, pulsars, and black holes. Quasars, cosmology, and the evolution of the universe. May not be taken by students who have previously completed ASTR/PHY 105, 301, or 302. (NS)
ASTR 8. (PHY 8) Introduction to Astronomy Laboratory (1) fall
Laboratory to accompany ASTR/PHY 7. Prerequisite: ASTR or PHY 7, preferably concurrently. (NS)
ASTR 105. (PHY 105, EES 105) Planetary Astronomy (4) fall
Structure and dynamics of planetary interiors, surfaces, and atmospheres. Models for the formation of the solar system and planetary evolution. Internal structure, surface topology, and composition of planets and other bodies in our solar system. Comparative study of planetary atmospheres. Organic materials in the solar system. Properties of the interplanetary medium, including dust and meteoroids. Orbital dynamics. Extrasolar planetary systems. McCluskey (NS)
ASTR 110. (PHY 110) Methods of Observational Astronomy (1)
Techniques of astronomical observation, data reduction, and analysis. Photometry, spectroscopy, CCD imaging, and interferometry. Computational analysis. Examination of ground-based and spacecraft instrumentation, and data transmission, reduction, and analysis. McCluskey (NS)
ForAdvancedUndergraduatesandGraduateStudents
ASTR 301. (PHY 301) Modern Astrophysics I (4) fall
Physics of stellar atmospheres and interiors, and the formation, evolution, and death of stars. Variable stars. The evolution of binary star systems. Novae, supernovae, white dwarfs, neutron stars, pulsars, and black holes. Stellar spectra, chemical compositions, and thermodynamic processes. Thermonuclear reactions. Interstellar medium. Prerequisites: PHY 10 and 13, or PHY 11 and 21, MATH 22 or 52. McSwain (NS)
ASTR 302. (PHY 302) Modern Astrophysics II (4) spring
The Milky Way Galaxy, galactic morphology, and evolutionary processes. Active galaxies and quasars. Observed properties of the universe. Relativistic cosmology, and the origin, evolution and fate of the universe. Elements of General Relativity and associated phenomena. Prerequisites: PHY 10 and 13, or PHY 11 and 21, MATH 22 or 52. McCluskey (NS)
ASTR 332. (PHY 332) High-Energy Astrophysics (3) spring, odd-numbered years
Observation and theory of X-ray and gamma-ray sources, quasars, pulsars, radio galaxies, neutron stars, black holes. Results from ultraviolet, X-ray and gamma-ray satellites. Prerequisites: MATH 23 or 33 previously or concurrently, and PHYS 21. McCluskey (NS)
ASTR 342. (PHY 342) Relativity and Cosmology (3) spring, even-numbered years
Special and general relativity. Schwarzschild and Kerr black holes. Supermassive stars. Relativistic theories of the origin and evolution of the universe. Prerequisites: MATH 23 or 33 previously or concurrently, and PHY 21. McCluskey (NS)
ASTR 350. Topics in Astrophysics (3) fall/spring
For science or engineering majors who desire to study an active area of research in astrophysics. Individual supervision. Prerequisites: ASTR 301, and MATH 23 or 33 and PHY 21. May be repeated for credit with the consent of the program director. (NS)
ASTR 372. Special Topics in Astronomy (1-4)
Selected topics not sufficiently covered in other courses. May be repeated for credit. (NS)
ASTR 472. Special Topics in Astronomy (1-4)
Selected topics not sufficiently covered in other courses. May be repeated for credit.