ASTRONOMY
College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
Astronomy has played an important role in the development of modern science. Recent advances in technology and space exploration have made possible many remarkable new discoveries in astronomy. For both these reasons, the study of astronomy is an excellent way for the liberal arts student to gain an appreciation of scientific knowledge and methods, and is especially recommended for students who are preparing for a teaching career. Those interested in graduate study in astronomy or astrophysics, or who wish to prepare for a career in this field, should obtain information about these possibilities from advisors in the Department of Physics and Astronomy.
Special Features
- Observation sessions are held in our facility on the roof of Amador Hall with a 14-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain instrument.
- Portable 8-inch and 5-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes, as well as an 8-inch Newtonian reflector and a 4-inch refractor, are also available for use in courses.
- Mounting attachments for astrophotography are available, and darkroom facilities in the Department of Physics and Astronomy can be used for developing and printing.
- Occasional off-campus sessions make use of observatory and planetarium
facilities at neighboring institutions.
Requirements - Minor
Units required for Minor: 18
Courses in parentheses are prerequisites.
A. Required Courses (12 units)
Any one of ASTR 4A, ASTR 4B, or ASTR 4C
(3) |
Introduction to the Solar System (One year high school geometry or instructor permission) OR |
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Introduction to Stars, Galaxies, and Cosmology (One year high school geometry or instructor permission) OR |
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Introduction to Astrobiology (One year high school geometry or instructor permission) |
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(1) |
Astronomical Observation Laboratory (ASTR 4A, ASTR 4B, or ASTR 4C; may be taken concurrently) |
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(3) |
The Solar System and Space Exploration (ASTR 4A, ASTR 4B, or ASTR 4C and GWAR certification before Fall 09; or WPJ score of 80+; or 3-unit placement in ENGL 109M/W; or 4-unit placement in ENGL 109M/W and co-enrollment in ENGL 109X; or WPJ score 70/71 and co-enrollment in ENGL 109X) |
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(3) |
Stars, Galaxies and Cosmology (ASTR 4A, ASTR 4B, or ASTR 4C and GWAR certification before Fall 09; or WPJ score of 80+; or 3-unit placement in ENGL 109M/W; or 4-unit placement in ENGL 109M/W and co-enrollment in ENGL 109X; or WPJ score 70/71 and co-enrollment in ENGL 109X) |
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(2) |
Special Problems |
B. Elective Courses (6 units)
(4) |
Introduction to Physical Chemistry (CHEM 1B, CHEM 24, PHYS 5A, PHYS 5B, MATH 31) |
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| (3) | Introduction to C Programming |
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(3) |
Remote Sensing |
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(3) |
Climate (GEOG 1 or GEOG 5 or GEOL 8 or GEOL 10 or ENVS 10, or instructor permission) |
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(3) |
Global Climate Change (GEOG 1 or instructor permission) |
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| (3) | Volcanology (GEOL 5 or GEOL 10) | |
(3) |
Philosophy of Science |
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(3) |
History of the Physical Sciences |
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(3) |
Electrodynamics of Waves, Radiation, and Materials (PHYS 135) |
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(3) |
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| (3) | Scientific Computing: Basics Methods (MATH 26A or MATH 30 and PHYS 5A, or MATH 30 and PHYS 11A, or MATH 105A taken concurrently) |
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(4) |
Introduction to Probability and Statistics (MATH 26A, MATH 30, or appropriate high school based AP credit) |
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(3) |
Introduction to Probability Theory (MATH 31; STAT 1 or STAT 50 recommended) |
* Substitutions of up to 4 units of Physics and Physical Science courses are possible; consult a Department of Physics and Astronomy advisor.
Faculty
Vera Margoniner, Gary Shoemaker, Christopher Taylor
Contact Information
William DeGraffenreid, Department Chair
Heidi Yamazaki, Administrative Support Coordinator
Sequoia Hall 230
(916) 278-6518
www.csus.edu/physics/