Minor in Astronomy

Program Overview

The Astronomy Minor enhances students' understanding of astronomy beyond introductory courses. Students gain a foundation in physical principles and develop skills in data analysis, experimental techniques, and scientific communication. The program requires a selection of physics and astronomy courses, including laboratory components, and an upper-division elective, allowing students to specialize their studies.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Minor in Astronomy is designed for students who wish to delve deeper into astronomy beyond introductory courses. Admission to the minor requires completing either MATH 198 or MATH 199, or both MATH 226 and MATH 227, depending on the chosen physics sequence.

Program Learning Outcomes:

• Physical Principles: Describe fundamental physical principles in various fields like classical mechanics, electricity & magnetism, relativity, thermodynamics, quantum mechanics, astronomy & astrophysics, and relate them to conservation principles.
• Systems Analysis: Analyze real-world physical systems, develop simplified models, apply mathematical tools to determine a system's evolution, and acknowledge limitations due to model approximations or mathematical techniques.
• Laboratory Skills: Demonstrate proficiency in laboratory skills and experimental techniques using equipment like electronics, lasers, sensors, detectors, microscopes, and telescopes, adhering to safety protocols.
• Scientific Method: Apply the scientific method by developing models, formulating hypotheses, designing and executing investigations, analyzing data, and sharing results with the scientific community.
• Communication Skills: Effectively communicate scientific concepts in writing, speaking, and visual data presentations for diverse audiences.
• Teamwork and Collaboration: Develop social and communication skills to work effectively in scientific teams, recognizing the human aspect of science and valuing diverse perspectives.
• Engagement and Sustainability: Engage local and global communities to address scientific and technological challenges in equitable and sustainable ways.

Outline:

• Total Units: 20 units
• Select One (4 units):
• PHYS 121 & PHYS 122: General Physics II and General Physics II Laboratory
• PHYS 230 & PHYS 232: General Physics with Calculus II and General Physics with Calculus II Laboratory
• ASTR 115 & ASTR 116: Introduction to Astronomy and Astronomy Laboratory (4 units)
• ASTR 300: Stars, Planets, and the Milky Way (3 units)
• ASTR 301: Observational Astronomy Laboratory (2 units)
• Electives (3 units):
• Take one upper-division ASTR or PHYS course.
• Students can choose an upper-division elective in ERTH or other related fields with faculty advisor approval.

Other:

• Lower-division courses must be taken for letter grades and passed with a minimum grade of C.
• ASTR 300 and ASTR 301 must be taken for letter grades and passed with a minimum grade of C-minus.
• Electives can be taken for letter grades or on a CR/NC basis in courses where CR/NC is allowed.
• All coursework for the minor must be completed with a minimum GPA of 2.0.
• A minimum of 6 upper-division units are required to complete the minor.