The Earth and Space Science Minor
The Earth and Space Science minor will provide students with a foundational understanding of the principles governing our planet and our Universe. Students are introduced to the sciences of astronomy and geology through two introductory courses. Then, students choose three courses that can include introductory physics and cover more specific topics in the astronomy and space sciences and in the earth and planetary sciences.
The following two courses are required for completion of the minor:
- PS 101 - Astronomy Or PS 222 - Life Beyond Earth
- PS 201 - Geology
In addition, any three of the following courses are required:
- PS 103 - Weather and Climate
- PS 121 - General Physics I OR PS 131 - Calculus Based Physics I
- PS 122 - General Physics II OR PS 132 - Calculus Based Physics II
- PS 202 - Planetary Science
- PS 211 - Remote Sensing
- PS 222 - Life Beyond Earth (if NOT used as the required astronomy course above)
- PS 384 - Introduction to Astrophysics
- PS 385 - Introduction to Cosmology
- PS 400 - Independent Study (with an astronomy or planetary focus)
- PS 449 - Special Topics in Physics (with an astronomy or planetary focus)
- PS 451 - Research in Physics I (with an astronomy or planetary focus)
Note that at least two of the five courses should have a focus on astronomy and space sciences (PS 101, PS 202, PS 222, PS 384, PS 385, PS 4xx with appropriate focus), and at least two of the five courses should have a focus on planetary or Earth sciences (PS 201, PS 103, PS 202, PS 211, PS 4xx with the appropriate focus.); PS 202 May count for both of these requirements.
