Astrochemistry, Minor

• A minor is earned in conjunction with a bachelor's degree.
  
  To receive a minor (18 - 24 units) at Northern Arizona University, you must complete a planned group of courses from one or more subject matter areas with a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0. At least 12 units of the minor must be unique to that minor and not applied to any other minor.

In addition to University Requirements:

• Complete individual plan requirements.

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

No more than fifty percent of the units used to satisfy minor requirements may be used to satisfy major requirements.

Highest Mathematics Required	MAT 137
Minimum Units for Completion	23

Purpose Statement

The purpose of this minor in Astrochemistry is to combine a broad astronomical perspective and understanding to students with interests in fundamental organic and inorganic chemistry.  The wide variety of electives available through this minor option highlights the interdisciplinary nature of this growing and critically important field and emphasizes the unique avenues that students can pursue to gain a strong foundational background. Specific courses in astronomical principles as well as physical chemistry, environmental chemistry, analytical chemistry, and biochemistry will constitute the bulk of the required coursework.  Students minoring in Astrochemistry will be prepared to provide a cosmic perspective to more traditional chemical fields, while this strong background will also enable students to truly appreciate the uniqueness of Earth and comparisons to other planetary bodies both within and outside of our own solar system.

Student Learning Outcomes

Students minoring in Astrochemistry will be able to:

• Evaluate our current understanding of the origin and evolution of matter throughout our universe, including the drivers of chemical diversity observed and modeled within our solar system and beyond;
• Understand how specific geological and astronomical processes modify the observed chemical makeup of solar system and exo-solar objects; and
• Describe how chemical processes influence the habitability of planetary and astronomical bodies.

Minor Requirements

• Take the following 23 units:

  • AST 280, AST 470 (6 units) 
  • CHM 341, CHM 440 (6 units)
  • Select one from (3 units): 
    • AST 390, AST 391, AST 392
  • Select additional coursework from (8 units): 
    • AST 390, AST 391, AST 392
    • CHM 320, CHM 320L, CHM 350, CHM 462C
    • CHM 360 or CHM 461
    • CHM 485, CHM 497, CHM 499

• 
  Minor Requirements for Astronomy, BS Majors
  Take the following 23 units:

  • AST 280, AST 470 (6 units) 
  • CHM 341, CHM 440 (6 units)
  • Select from (6 units): 
    • CHM 320, CHM 320L, CHM 350, CHM 462C
    • CHM 360 or CHM 461
    • CHM 485, CHM 497, CHM 499
  • Select additional coursework from (5 units): 
    • AST 390, AST 391, AST 392
    • CHM 320, CHM 320L, CHM 350, CHM 462C
    • CHM 360 or CHM 461
    • CHM 485, CHM 497, CHM 499

• 
  Minor Requirements for Chemistry, BS or Chemistry-American Chemical Society, BS Majors
  Take the following 23 units
  • AST 280, AST 470 (6 units) 
  • CHM 341, CHM 440 (6 units)
  • Select one from (6 units): 
    • AST 390, AST 391, AST 392
  • Select additional coursework from (5 units): 
    • AST 390, AST 391, AST 392
    • CHM 320, CHM 320L, CHM 350, CHM 462C
    • CHM 360 or CHM 461
    • CHM 485, CHM 497, CHM 499
  
  For all minor requirements, be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also take. For prerequisite information click on the course or see your advisor.

   

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