Program Overview

Introduction to Astronomy

Astronomy is the study of matter and radiation throughout all time and space. Astronomers use the latest technological advancements to do this, making this field one of the most rapidly expanding of all physical sciences.

What Will My Study Involve?

• Some of the topics you will study include planets, the evolution of stars, black holes, the structure and evolution of galaxies, and dark matter and dark energy.
• You will get the opportunity to observe at Ōtehīwai — University of Canterbury Mount John Observatory — the best optical astronomical research centre in Aotearoa.
• We are the only university in Aotearoa to teach Astronomy at all levels of study.

Courses

Astronomy Major

For the major in the Bachelor of Science, complete the following courses:

• 100-level:
  • ASTR112 Astrophysics
  • COSC131 Introduction to Programming for Engineers
  • PHYS101 Engineering Physics A: Mechanics, Waves and Thermal Physics
  • PHYS102 Engineering Physics B: Modern Physics and Electromagnetism
  • MATH102 Mathematics 1A
  • MATH103 Mathematics 1B
• 200-level:
  • PHYS285 Technical and Professional Skills for Physicists
  • MATH201 Multivariable Calculus
  • ASTR211 Observational Astronomy OR ASTR212 Dynamical Astronomy and the Solar System
  • Three 200-level PHYS courses
• MATH202 Differential Equations and MATH203 Linear Algebra are also recommended.
• 300-level:
  • ASTR381 Advanced Experiments in Physics and Astronomy
  • PHYS310 Thermal, Statistical and Particle Physics
  • ASTR323 Stellar Structure and Evolution OR ASTR325 The Structure and Evolution of Galaxies
  • One 300-level PHYS course
• If you intend to go onto postgraduate study, you will need to take another two ASTR or PHYS courses at 300-level, and another two MATH or STAT courses at 300-level.
• It is recommended that you include PHYS326 Classical Mechanics and Symmetry Principles, or you can take PHYS456 in the first year of your postgraduate degree.

Astronomy Minor

For the minor in the Bachelor of Arts, Commerce, Digital Screen, Health, Product Design, Science, Social and Environmental Sustainability, Sport, or Youth and Community Leadership, complete the following courses:

• 75 points in 100 to 300-level ASTROR PHYS courses, with at least 45 points above 100-level

Career Opportunities

If you are considering studying Astronomy and Astrophysics, you probably have a natural curiosity about how things work. An Astronomy degree could lead you towards being a part of the many exciting and unexpected discoveries we have yet to make about our universe. Through your studies, you will learn skills like computer modelling, data analysis, problem-solving, computer programming, and communication, which also opens up pathways beyond astronomy. Career pathways could include:

• Astronomer and other scientific fields (physicist, meteorologist, geophysicist)
• Technical writer
• Data analysis and information technology
• Science communication, teaching, and media.

Qualifications

• Certificate in Science
• Diploma in Science
• Bachelor of Science
• Bachelor of Arts
• Bachelor of Arts (Specialisations)
• Bachelor of Commerce
• Bachelor of Digital Screen with Honours
• Bachelor of Health
• Bachelor of Product Design
• Bachelor of Social and Environmental Sustainability
• Bachelor of Sport
• Bachelor of Youth and Community Leadership

Related Subjects

Choose an area that you are interested in and learn how UC's range of study options can let you study what you want to.

• Physics: Physics aims to understand the behaviour of matter and energy, from subatomic particles to that of the Universe itself.
• Aerospace Engineering: Learn how to design and produce aircraft, spacecraft, and related systems.