Academic Catalog - 2018-2019

College of the Environment, Forestry, and Natural Sciences

Department of Physics and Astronomy

Astronomy, Bachelor of Science


Academic Information

In the words of NASA astronaut Kalpana Chawla, “When you look at the stars and the galaxy, you feel that you are not just from any particular piece of land, but from the solar system.”

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Academic Catalog - 2018-2019

College of the Environment, Forestry, and Natural Sciences

Department of Physics and Astronomy

Astronomy, Bachelor of Science


Careers

What Can I Do with a Bachelor of Science in Astronomy?

Did you spend most of your childhood behind a telescope? Do you have a habit of thinking about very big things, like the universe? If you ponder the big questions, then maybe you're an astronomer in the making. Indulge your scientific curiosity and build a career path. The science of astronomy uses the laws of physics to reveal the nature of celestial objects. Our program focuses on astrophysics and planetary science. You will be encouraged to think independently and to join in faculty research projects. You'll benefit from our proximity to world-class Lowell Observatory and the university's own new twenty-inch research-class telescope. If you want to search for planets outside the solar system, you'll receive the guidance you need at Northern Arizona University. Find your way to questions you haven't yet learned to ask.

Career opportunities that might be pursued:
  • Research assistant
  • Telescope operator
  • Industrial researcher
  • Scientific programmer
  • Defense industry team member

With further education, one of these paths is possible:
  • Planetary scientist
  • Researcher
  • University professor
  • Optical engineer

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Academic Catalog - 2018-2019

College of the Environment, Forestry, and Natural Sciences

Department of Physics and Astronomy

Astronomy, Bachelor of Science


University Requirements

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Academic Catalog - 2018-2019

College of the Environment, Forestry, and Natural Sciences

Department of Physics and Astronomy

Astronomy, Bachelor of Science


Overview

In addition to University Requirements:

Students may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement. Contact your advisor for details.

Minimum Units for Completion 120
Highest Mathematics Required MAT 239
Research Optional
University Honors Program Optional
AZ Transfer Students complete AGEC-S Recommended
Progression Plan Link View Progression Plan

Student Learning Outcomes

Our B.S. in Astronomy program is designed to prepare students for a career in a technical field or for graduate studies in astronomy or planetary sciences. Below we describe the learning outcomes our program.
 
Physics Content
Students will have an understanding of the laws of physics in the areas of:

Astronomy Content
Students will be able to apply the laws of physics in order to understand the:Laboratory Skills
Students will:Computational Skills
Students will:Problem Solving Skills
Students will develop problem-solving capacities. In particular, a student will be able to:Communication Skills
Students will be able to:

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Academic Catalog - 2018-2019

College of the Environment, Forestry, and Natural Sciences

Department of Physics and Astronomy

Astronomy, Bachelor of Science


Details

Major Requirements
General Electives
Additional Information
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Academic Catalog - 2018-2019

College of the Environment, Forestry, and Natural Sciences

Department of Physics and Astronomy

Astronomy, Bachelor of Science


Campus Availability

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