ENG

Astronomy

Bachelor of Science

Coursework Location(s)

Main/Tucson

Areas of Interest
  • Computer & Information Science
  • Mathematics, Statistics & Data Science
  • Engineering & Technology
  • Physical & Space Sciences
Calling all stargazers! Explore the cosmos and beyond at one of the finest centers for astronomical studies in the world. Astronomy is the scientific study of celestial objects, space and the physical universe. The Bachelor of Science in Astronomy is an intensive program that builds on a strong foundation of mathematics, physics and astrophysics. It is designed to prepare students for graduate school to pursue a Ph.D., as well as to gain professional employment in fields such as astronomy and astrophysics. The program and the research prominence of Steward Observatory combine to create a rigorous setting in which students learn from national and international leaders in astronomy, and enjoy access to premier observing conditions, world-class telescopes and a vibrant astronomical community.
Learning Outcomes
Demonstrate the ability to meaningfully analyze, apply and integrate the principle findings, common applications, current problems, fundamental techniques, and underlying theory of the astronomy discipline. Improve knowledge of principle findings, common applications, current problems, fundamental techniques, and underlying theories in the disciplines of Astronomy and Planetary Science. Employ discipline skills related to the observational techniques, instrumentation, computational methods, and software applications used to investigate modern astrophysical phenomena and problems. Increase the ability to interpret, evaluate, synthesize and communicate about a wide variety of content central to Astronomy and Planetary Science. Develop proficiency with communicating, translating and interpreting fundamental astronomical concepts and research results in oral and/or written formats. Develop quantitative reasoning abilities and data fluency through investigations of a wide variety of astrophysical phenomena and problems. Conduct guided research and/or develop mastery-knowledge of a specific area of the discipline of astronomy. Develop the ability to communicate about fundamental astronomical concepts, research results and technological advancements in both oral and written formats. Gain an appreciation for the role that Astronomy and Planetary Science have played in art and literature and how this relates to important aspects of our society (and to your own personal life). Participate in the scholarly, ethical, and discipline specific practices of the field at an emergent level.
Sample Courses
  • ASTR 302: Observational Astronomy
  • PHYS 371: Quantum Theory
  • ASTR 400B: Galactic & Extragalactic Astrophysics
Career Fields
  • Academia
  • Aerospace
  • Astrophysics
  • Government
  • Software engineering
Level of Math
Substantial Knowledge
LEVEL OF SECOND LANGUAGE
2nd Semester Proficiency
Pre-major Required?
NO
Sample Plans 2020 - Astronomy

First Year

1st Semester
Credits
ENGL 101 First-Year Composition
3.00
Tier I General Education
3.00
Math - Calc I
3.00
Tier I General Education
3.00
ASTR 196 Astro Major Seminar (optional)
1.00
Programming Course - CSC 110
4.00
2nd Semester
Credits
PHYS 141/161H Intro Mechanics
4.00
ENGL 102 First-Year Composition
3.00
MATH 129 Calculus II
3.00
Tier I General Education
3.00
Tier I General Education
3.00

Second Year

3rd Semester
Credits
ASTR 250 Fundamentals of Astronomy
3.00
MATH 223 Vector Calculus
4.00
PHYS 142/162H Intro Thermo. & Optics
4.00
Second Language
3.00
4th Semester
Credits
ASTR 296A Research Seminar (odd years) (optional)
1.00
MATH 254 Differential Equations
3.00
PHYS 241/261H Intro Electricity & Magnetism
4.00
PHYS 263H Relativity & Quantum
3.00
Second Language
3.00

Third Year

5th Semester
Credits
ASTR 300A Astrophysics I: Mechanics
3.00
PHYS 204 Math Techniques in Phys
3.00
PHYS 321 Theoretical Mechanics
3.00
Tier II General Education
3.00
Tier II General Education
3.00
6th Semester
Credits
ASTR 300B Astrophysics II: Radiation & Matter
3.00
ASTR 302 Observational Astronomy
3.00
PHYS 331 E&M
3.00
PHYS 371 Quantum Theory I
3.00
ASTR 49X Research
1.00
Tier II General Education
3.00

Fourth Year

7th Semester
Credits
ASTR 400A Theoretical Astrophysics I: Stellar
3.00
PHYS 305 Computational Physics
3.00
Elective
3.00
ASTR 49X Research
1.00
UD Elective
3.00
Elective
3.00
8th Semester
Credits
ASTR 400B Theoretical Astrophysics II: Galaxies
3.00
PHYS 426 Thermal Physics
3.00
ASTR 49X Research
1.00
UD Elective
3.00
Elective
3.00
UD Elective
3.00

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