Astronomy

Astronomy encompasses phenomena at all scales, from the description of matter on the subatomic level, to the behavior of planets, stars, galaxies, superclusters; exotic objects such as white dwarfs, neutron stars and black holes; and the origin and fate of the universe itself. Although among the oldest of the sciences, Astronomy continues to provide deep and sometimes startling insight into the underlying laws of nature. Examples include: the existence of compact stellar remnants that resist collapse only through quantum mechanical effects; direct imaging of the event horizon of a billion solar-mass black hole; the direct measurement of ripples in space itself; and the realization that the expansion of the universe is accelerating over time. 

Astronomy Minor

The Astronomy Minor develops students' familiarity with the concepts and techniques of Astronomy & Astrophysics. Problem-solving and critical thinking skills are developed through application of these principles to a wide variety of applications, whether in coursework or in research applications. In addition to deepening understanding of and appreciation for the science of Astronomy as currently practiced, the Astronomy Minor helps prepare students for entry into the professional workforce (particularly in STEM areas). This minor is appropriate for students who wish to pursue a post graduate degree in astronomy or physics, students pursuing a secondary education physics certification, or any student with a deep interest in the field.

The typical path through the ASTR minor requires completion of four advanced-level instructional courses, one of which may be replaced by directed research.

Astronomy Advisors: Dr. Will Clarkson; Dr. Carrie Swift

Visit the University Catalog:

Learn about degree requirements and coursework for the Astronomy minor.

Learn which Dearborn Discovery Core requirements are fulfilled by taking Astronomy courses.

The Astronomy minor has been devised to meet the needs of three (somewhat distinct) groups of students: 

• Students with math training at the Calculus-II level or above, who may become interested in graduate school in a physical science, and thus require sufficient preparation to make graduate-­level coursework feasible (example: Physics, Chemistry, Math, Geology majors).
• Students with math training at the Calculus-­II level or above, who have an interest in Astronomy, but for whom an undergraduate minor is likely to be their terminal science training and for whom the introductory-­level courses (e.g. ASTR 130) are unlikely to be intellectually satisfactory (for example: Computer Science majors with an interest in Astronomy).
• Students with deep interest in aspects of planetary science who wish to further their understanding of the interplay between geological/environmental  and  planetary  viewpoints, but  for  whom Calculus-­II is not required as part of the major (e.g. some Geology majors; Environmental science majors; education majors).

Below we give three example tracks through the Astronomy minor.  Note that these options are not exclusive.