Astronomy Minor
This minor introduces the student to Astronomy, the branch of science that deals with celestial objects, space, and the physical universe as a whole. An inherently interdisciplinary field of study, Astronomy employs the fundamentals of Physics, Geology, Biology and Chemistry to understand and explore the universe around us. Astronomers use their understanding of the natural sciences to study objects such as stars, galaxies, planets, moons, asteroids, and comets and to understand processes such as supernovae, cosmic microwave background radiation, and generally any phenomena that occur outside of our planet. It provides critical reasoning and quantitative literacy skills that are of great importance in today’s technology-driven society.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Minor Requirements (20 credits) | ||
| Astronomy Core Courses | ||
| INASTR-101 | Intro to Planetary Astronomy | 4 |
| INASTR-102 | Intro to Stellar Astronomy | 4 |
| INASTR-315 | Visions of the Universe | 4 |
| A fundamental Physics Course | ||
| Select one of the following: | 4 | |
| College Physics I | ||
| Phenomenal Science | ||
| University Physics I | ||
or INPHYS-141 | College Physics I | |
| Additional Supporting Physics or Science Course | ||
| Select one of the following: | 4 | |
Any four additional credits in PHYS or ASTR credits (excluding IIPHYS-305) | ||
| Introduction to Optics | ||
| Earth Cycles & Systems | ||
| Earths Climate: Past & Future | ||
| Total Credits | 20 | |
Upon completion of the Astronomy Minor, students will:
- Have the ability to apply critical thinking and quantitative reasoning skills to problems in astronomy and the natural sciences.
- Understand the motion of celestial objects in relation to their observed motion from Earth.
- Be able to explain how gravity works and the role it plays in all aspects of our universe.
- Learn how to apply basic physics concepts to problem solving in astronomy and the natural sciences.
- Understand the nature of light and how astronomers exploit its nature to learn about the universe.
- Explain the leading theories of planetary, stellar and galactic evolution and understand the differences between the processes.
- Comprehend the nature of accelerated cosmic expansion, the experimental methods used to discover it and its relationship to the cosmic microwave background.