|
Astronomy, Astrophysics/Physics |
Overview of the MajorThis B.A. program is designed to meet student needs for training in space sciences, including astronomy, astrophysics, planetary sciences, and space physics. Students pursuing this major have the option of following one of two tracks: General Astronomy, housed in the Department of Astrophysical and Planetary Sciences (APS); or Astrophysics/ Physics, jointly supervised by APS and the Department of Physics. The General Astronomy track highlights the science of astronomy, observation, and technology. As a major in this track, you receive core training in astronomical sciences, mathematics, applied physics, and computational and instrumental technology needed for professions in the space sciences. The Astrophysics/Physics track is directed toward students interested in pursuing graduate studies in astrophysics. The track is multidisciplinary in focus with work in physics, mathematics and astronomy. Upon graduation, students should have solid technological training in the space sciences, including mathematical, physical, computational, and instrumental expertise. The Department of Astrophysical and Planetary Sciences-which administers both tracks-is one of the few programs that combines both astrophysics and planetary science, providing a unified view of space sciences, the solar system, and comparative planetology, stellar and galactic astronomy, and cosmology. You will be exposed to hands-on experience with telescopes, optics, instrumentation, and computer image processing and modeling. Career PossibilitiesThe General Astronomy track lends itself to a career in education, science journalism, science policy, information technology, science management or technical work that does not require a graduate degree. The Astrophysics/Physics track is intended for students who wish to do research and continue on to graduate work in astronomy or planetary sciences. This track also lends itself well to a career in technical work related to the field. Career Services offers a number of programs and services designed to help you plan your career, including workshops, internships, and placement services after graduation. For an appointment with a career counselor or for more information, call (303) 492-6541, or stop by Willard Administrative Center 34. Find the home page at: Career Services . Facilities, Programs and OpportunitiesThe APS Department is affiliated with many different research labs, both within the university (CASA, LASP, JILA) and in the Boulder area (High Altitude Observatory/NCAR, NOAA, NIST, Southwest Research Institute). These affiliations often lead to research opportunities for students in the major. You may also choose to work with APS faculty on independent research projects that use the Sommers-Bausch Observatory, the 3.5m Apache Point Observatory, or the Fiske Planetarium. The capstone sequence ASTR4010/4020 gives students the opportunity to carry out their own research projects and discuss their findings. The department also encourages faculty-advised research and senior (honors) theses. The Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) offers students a chance to work alongside a faculty sponsor on original research. Learn to write proposals, conduct research, pursue creative work, analyze data, and present the results. For more information, call UROP at 303-492-2596, (http://www.colorado.edu/Research/UROP). The experience of studying abroad can prove invaluable for you as an astronomy major. Your first-hand experience abroad can provide you with insights into the culture, cultural history, and human biological diversity of another country or world region by allowing you to immerse yourself in another culture and learn about it from the perspective of your host country instructors. The university offers more than 100 programs throughout the world that offer credit that counts as if you had taken the credit here, in some cases also fulfilling major and core requirements. You may spend a few weeks to a full academic year abroad, depending on the program you select. Prior language study or other prerequisites are necessary for some programs, so early planning for study abroad is essential. Further information about study abroad is available from the Office of International Education which is located on the lower level of the Environmental Design building, 303-492-7741, (http:// www.colorado.edu/OIE/StudyAbroad). Minimum Academic Preparation Standards (MAPS)If you graduated from high school in 1988 or later, you are required to meet certain minimum academic preparation standards (MAPS). If you are admitted to CU-Boulder with MAPS deficiencies, you are required to complete at least one MAPS course each term. The College of Arts and Sciences has adopted the entrance standards listed below. One unit equals one year of high school study or one semester of college course work.
Core Curriculum RequirementsIn addition to the requirements you must fulfill for your major, the College of Arts and Sciences requires you to complete approximately 46 semester hours of credit in the core curriculum. Credits in the major may also apply toward these core hours. The core curriculum is designed to provide you with a broad education. Courses in the core are distributed through four skills acquisition areas and seven content areas of study. Major RequirementsIn addition to the college core curriculum, as an astronomy major you must complete the following requirements: Track 1: General Astronomy:
Track 2: Astrophysics/physics:
Minor RequirementsThe Department of Astrophysical and Planetary Sciences (APS) offers a minor. A total of 18 credits is required. For more information and a list of courses recommended for the minor, consult with the APS academic advisor.For More InformationYou may stop by the departmental office in Duane Physics and Astrophysics E226 or call 303-735-2595 to speak with the academic advisor. Visit our Web site at: http://aps.colorado.edu. Be sure to check the University of Colorado at Boulder Catalog for college policies, procedures, and course listings. You may also want to consult each semester's on-line Schedule Planner as well as the Professor Performance Guide for further information about course offerings and faculty. |