Dec 09, 2024  
Undergraduate Record 2009-2010 
    
Undergraduate Record 2009-2010 [ARCHIVED RECORD]

Astronomy


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Requirements for the Astronomy Major


The Bachelor of Arts degree in Astronomy, not intended as preparation for graduate study in science, provides a firm grounding in basic astronomy, mathematics, physics, and computer science. Students take ASTR 121, 124 (or 211, 212), 313, 498 (Senior Thesis), and twelve additional credits of 300-500 level astronomy courses. Students are also required to take MATH 121, 122 (or 131, 132); PHYS 231, 232 (or 151, 152, 251, 252); and PHYS 254 or CS 101. This program offers considerable opportunities for students to pursue interests in other subjects, and is well suited for inclusion in a double major.

Requirements for the Astronomy-Physics Major


The Bachelor of Arts degree in Astronomy-Physics is offered jointly by the astronomy and physics departments. This program prepares students for graduate study in astronomy, physics, computer science, and related fields. Students take MATH 131, 132, 231, 325, 521, 522; PHYS 254 or CS 101; PHYS 151, 152, 251, 252, 221, 222, 321, 331, 342, 343, 355; and ASTR 211, 212, 313, 395, 498 (Senior Thesis), and six additional credits of 300-500 level astronomy courses.

Prospective astronomy-physics majors are strongly urged to consult with the astronomy undergraduate advisor during registration week of their first semester at the University.

Distinguished Majors Program in Astronomy-Physics


Students must maintain a GPA of 3.400 or better. For the Distinguished Major Program (DMP), students must meet the requirements of the astronomy-physics major described above and must also take PHYS 356 and a two-semester Senior Thesis (ASTR 498). The six credits of elective astronomy courses must consist of ASTR 451 and a 500-level course. This program leads to the award of degrees with distinction, high distinction, or highest distinction.

Requirements for the Minor in Astronomy


The Minor Program in Astronomy is intended mainly for students with a strong interest in the subject who do not have the time to commit to the mathematics and physics courses required for the major. Requirements for the minor can be completed in either of two ways. Students can take either ASTR 121, 124, or ASTR 211, 212, and nine additional credits of astronomy at the 300-level or above. ASTR 130 may be substituted for one 300+ course.

Additional Information


For more information, contact the Undergraduate Advisor, Department of Astronomy, 530 McCormick Road, P.O. Box 400325, Charlottesville, VA 22904-4325; (434) 924-7494; Fax: (434) 924-3104.

ugradadv@astsun.astro.virginia.eduwww.astro.virginia.edu.

Course Descriptions


Note: All astronomy courses may be used to satisfy the College natural sciences area requirements. Both ASTR 121 and 124 cover complementary subject matter at an introductory level. Each is complete in itself, and students may take only one, or both concurrently.

  • ASTR 576 - General Topics in Astronomy Credits: 3
  • ASTR 577 - General Topics in Astronomy Credits: 3

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