Astronomy

The Major: Students comfortable with mathematics and physics who have a strong interest in understanding the nature of the solar system, stars, galaxies and the universe are encouraged to consider majoring in astronomy. The knowledge acquired and the analytical skills developed provide excellent broad-based training for careers in industry, education and government as well as preparation for graduate study in astronomy and astrophysics, science education, engineering, law and medicine.

In addition to the general requirements of CLAS, students majoring in astronomy must take AST 3018, 3019, 3722C, MAC 2311, 2312, 2313, MAP 2302; PHY 2048, 2048L, 2049, 2049L, 3101, 3221, 3323, 4222, 4324. One additional physics course must be selected from PHY 3513, PHY 4422, PHY 4523, and PHY 4604. Majors must also select five additional 3-credit courses from among the 4000-level astronomy courses. All required courses must be completed with a grade of C or better.

Students planning graduate work in astronomy should talk with the undergraduate coordinator and plan to take PHY 4604 and additional courses from the following: PHY 3513, 4422, 4523; MAS 3114, MAA 4402, MAP 4303, STA 3032, and CGS 2425.

Honors: To graduate cum laude, astronomy majors must earn an overall junior-/senior-level GPA of 3.5 or higher and have a 3.5 average in required courses. To graduate magna cum laude (high honors) or summa cum laude (highest honors), students must complete 6 credits of AST 4905 in their junior or senior year and submit an acceptable senior thesis. The thesis will be evaluated by the faculty member who supervised the student in AST 4905 and two other faculty members appointed by the chair.

The Minor: To obtain a minor in astronomy the student must complete 15 credits of astronomy with grades of C or better. The student must take AST 3018, AST 3019, AST 3722C and two other 3-credit AST courses at the 4000 level.

General Education: Non-science majors may fulfill the physical sciences requirement by taking AST courses.

Astronomy

To remain ‘on track’ for this major, a student must meet the following critical tracking criteria.

• 2.0 UF GPA required for semesters 1-5 Complete MAC1147 or MAC2311

• Complete MAC2311

• Complete MAC2312, PHY2048 and PHY2048L

• Complete MAC2313, PHY2049 and PHY2049L with 2.5 GPA on all critical tracking course work

• Complete AST3018 with 2.5 GPA on all critical tracking course work