The Astronomy and Planetary Science Minor
This minor provides a foundation in astronomy and planetary science. Students are introduced to the sciences of astronomy and geology through two introductory courses. Then students choose three courses depending on their focus. Some courses can come from the General Physics or Calculus-based Physics course sequence and Modern Physics. Other available courses explore more advanced astronomical concepts or an introductory course in Weather and Climate. Astronomical or geological research projects or special topics courses can be included for this minor with department approval.
Required courses
- PS 201 Geology
One astronomy course from the following list:
- PS 101 Astronomy
- PS 222 Life Beyond Earth
- PS 384 Astrophysics
Three technical electives, at least two of which are 200-level courses or above, from the following list:
- PS 103 Weather and Climate
- PS 121 General Physics I
- PS 122 General Physics II
- PS 131 Calculus Based Physics I
- PS 132 Calculus Based Physics II
- PS 202 Planetary Science
- PS 211 Remote Sensing
- PS 222 Life Beyond Earth
- PS 231 Modern Physics
- PS 384 Astrophysics
- PS 400 Independent Study (with an astronomy or planetary focus)
- PS 449 Topics in Physics (with an astronomy or planetary focus)
- PS 452 Research in Physics (with an astronomy or planetary focus)
