Astronomy & Astrophysics Minor

Chair: Edward L. Fitzpatrick, Ph.D.
Office Location: 456A Mendel Science Center
Telephone: (610) 5019-4820
Website

About

The APS Department offers a major in Astronomy & Astrophysics, leading to a Bachelor of Science degree. The major combines rigorous academic preparation with a strong research component, which usually culminates in the presentation of original research results at national astronomical conferences. The program is designed to prepare students for graduate studies in astronomy and related fields. In addition, and due to the strong and balanced Liberal Arts education, the Astronomy & Astrophysics major provides outstanding preparation for careers in science journalism and science education, as well as for essentially any technically based career. The department also offers a minor in Astronomy & Astrophysics.

Research facilities utilized by staff and students in the APS Department include a high-speed computing facility and a suite of computer-controlled telescopes located on the roof of Mendel Science Center. In addition, the Department-is a member of the Robotically Controlled Telescope consortium, which operates a 1.3 meter telescope located at Kitt Peak National Observatory. Students also have access, via faculty research programs, to state of-the-art astronomical data from NASA-supported facilities such as the Hubble Space Telescope and the Spitzer Space Telescope, and a variety of national and international ground-based facilities.

MINOR: Astronomy & Astrophysics (25 credits)

A minor is open to all students and requires 9 courses and a minimum of 25 credits.

Required Minor Courses

Program Notes:

  • Courses that fulfill minor requirements may be used to fulfill other requirements (i.e., primary major, core curriculum, minors, concentrations, or free electives).
  • Students may fulfill the Calculus requirement (normally MAT 1500 and 1505) with any Calculus I & II courses offered within the University.
Course
Title
Credits
3
3
6
6
Sub-Total Credits
27