There are two minors offered by the Dept. of Astronomy from which an undergraduate student may choose: Astronomy or Astronomical Studies.
Units used to satisfy either minor must achieve a GPA of 2.0 or above. At least 3 units of course work must be University Credit.
For more information, to enroll in either minor, or to request course substitutions, please contact Dr. Thomas A. Fleming (office: SO 209) at 621-5049.
I. Astronomy
The Minor in Astronomy is intended for students majoring in the sciences, engineering, mathematics, or computer sciences seeking a solid, physics-based introduction to astronomy and astrophysics. The Minor in Astronomy requires at least 20 units of astronomy/physics courses. Nine (9) units must be at upper division (300-level or above.)
The following courses are required:
| Course Number | Title |
|---|---|
| PHYS 161H or 141 | Introductory Mechanics (4 units) |
| PHYS 162H or 142 | Introductory Optics & Thermodynamics (4 units) |
| ASTR 250 | Fundamentals of Astronomy (3 units) |
| Course Number | Title |
|---|---|
| ASTR 300A | Astronomy & Astrophysics (3 units) |
| ASTR 300B | Astronomy & Astrophysics (3 units) |
| ASTR 302 | Introduction to Observational Astronomy (3 units) |
| ASTR 305 | Computational Physics (3 units) |
| ASTR 320 | Philosophy and History of Astronomical Thought (3 units) |
| ASTR 392 | Directed Research [graded, only 3 units may apply] |
| ASTR 400A | Theoretical Astrophysics (3 units) |
| ASTR 400B | Theoretical Astrophysics (3 units) |
| ASTR 406 | The Nature and Origins of Life (3 units) |
| ASTR 418 | Instrumentation and Statistics (3 units) |
| ASTR 442 | Mars (3 units) |
| ASTR 450 | Origin of the Solar System and Other Planetary Systems (3 units) |
| ASTR 475 | Planetary Astrobiology (3 units) |
| ASTR 485 | Radio Astronomy (3 units) |
| ASTR 488A | Astrochemistry (3 units) |
II. Astronomical Studies
The Minor in Astronomical Studies is intended for undergraduate students in any field who wish to complement their major concentration with a sustained study of astronomical concepts, history, and methodology. Unlike the Minor in Astronomy, it does not assume or require experience with physics and advanced mathematics. The Minor in Astronomical Studies may be added to any type of baccalaureate degree or major (e.g. B.A., B.F.A., B.S., etc.).
The Minor in Astronomical Studies requires 18 units of astronomy-related courses. At least 9 units must be taken at upper division. The courses listed below are all worth 3 units and can be used for this minor: (Please note that all Planetary Science [PTYS] courses are cross-listed with Astronomy [ASTR].)
| Course Number | Title | Course Number | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| PTYS 170A1 | Alien Earths | ASTR 202* | Life in the Universe |
| ASTR 170B1 | Exploring our Universe | PTYS 206 | Exploring Our Solar System |
| PTYS 170B2 | Exploring our Place in Space | PTYS 214* | Astrobiology: A Planetary Perspective |
| ASTR 201 | Cosmology | OPTI 200 | Light, Color, and Vision [3 units only] |
*Due to significant content overlap, a student cannot receive credit for taking both courses.
| Course Number | Title |
|---|---|
| ASTR 302§ | Introduction to Observational Astronomy |
| ASTR 320 | Philosophy and History of Astronomical Thought |
| ASTR 325 | Science and Science Fiction |
| ASTR 333 | Astronomy and the Arts |
| ASTR 392 | Directed Research [graded, only 3 units may apply] |
| PHIL 305 | Introduction to the Philosophy of Science |
§requires computing experience; must obtain permission of the instructor to register
OPTI 200 is a repeatable course. Only 3 units of this course may be applied to the minor.
The ASTR 392 course will be used in a flexible way to provide several types of opportunity for students in Astronomical Studies. For example, it can be structured as a practicum on observing using the small telescopes that Steward Observatory maintains on Mt. Lemmon. It can also be a hands-on experience in Citizen Science, Space Grant, or astronomy pedagogy in conjunction with the Center for Astronomy Education, located in the Department of Astronomy.