Required Preparatory Courses
Astronomy |
ASTR 250
Fundamentals of Astronomy
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Math |
MATH 124 or
125 CalculusI
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MATH 129
CalculusII
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MATH 223
Vector Calculus
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MATH 254
Ordinary Differential Equations
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Physics |
PHYS 161H or 141
Intro. to Mechanics
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PHYS 162H or 142
Intro. to Thermodynamics& Optics
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PHYS 261H or 241
Intro. to Electricity & magnetism
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PHYS 263H or 242
Intro. to Relativity & Quantum Physics
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Course Requirements
Astronomy |
ASTR 300A & 300B
Astronomy & Astrophysics
2 semesters
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ASTR 302
Observational Astronomy
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ASTR 400A
Stellar Astrophysics
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ASTR 400B
Galactic & Extragalactic Astrophysics
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ASTR 492, 498 or 499
Senior Independent Research
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Physics |
PHYS 305
Computational Physics
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PHYS 321
Theoretical Mechanics I
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PHYS 426
Thermal Physics
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PHYS 331
Electricity & Magnetism I
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PHYS 371
Quantum Theory I
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Double Major (Astronomy & Physics)
Students who wish to double-major in astronomy and physics should refer to the Astronomy major 4-year plan and consult with their astronomy and physics faculty advisors. See also the Physics Dept. list of 4-year plans at http://www.physics.arizona.edu/physics2006/gdresources/documents/ugrad_info_booklet.pdf on pages 7 and 8.
Concentrations in theoretical astrophysics and in astronomical instrumentation are also available to majors. These concentrations are informal programs of mentoring and research opportunities for students with high academic standing. Interested students should talk to their departmental advisor about these programs. Prospective students should be aware that the curriculum for the major in Astronomy is very demanding and requires solid preparation in high school mathematics and science. A student who lacks such preparation should expect to take longer than four years to complete the degree requirements.
Course Credit for Independent Research
Astronomy majors may receive course credit for doing independent research projects with Astronomy Department faculty and also with Steward Observatory research staff. Three units of such credit are required for the major, but more than three units are also allowed. See the link for guidelines on academic credit for research experience and the approval form for undergraduate research credit, which is required to sign up for independent study.
Minors
The Astronomy major does not require a minor subject.
Teaching Majors
The Astronomy Department does not offer a teaching major in astronomy. Students interested in secondary school science may pursue a BS in Science Education with a concentration in physics or in earth sciences (which includes astronomy). A minor in science education is available for students completing a BS in Astronomy by completing STCH 250, 310, 410, 420, 499 and one of the following: CHEM 437A, GEOS 401, PHYS 437 or BIOC 433, plus ECOL 401. This series of courses meets the requirements for students who wish to complete student teaching (STCH 494A and STCH 496A) in pursuit of an Arizona teaching application.
Computer Facilities for Majors
The Astronomy Department has computers in Room 208 that are available to Astronomy majors when that room is not being used by a class (such as Phys 305). The room is normally open Monday-Friday from 9AM to 5PM.
Besides a variety of PC-based software, these computers can be used as terminals on the Observatory local network, providing access to all the software tools available -- for example, e-mail, Web-browsers, and astronomy data reduction packages.
Astronomy majors can have personal accounts on the network. To set yours up, see Jeff Fookson in Room 366 at Steward Observatory.
Research Opportunities: On Campus
There are many undergraduate research opportunities in astronomy at The University of Arizona and at the several other Tucson-based observatories and research institutes. Please see current available topics for On-Campus Research.
Research Opportunities: Summer Positions
Every summer the National Science Foundation and NASA fund undergraduate research schools at several sites around the United States. The programs vary somewhat from site to site, but most bring together roughly a dozen undergraduates from around the country for a two to three month period. Students work on individual research projects under the supervision of a senior scientist, and participate in group seminars and other activities. The programs pay a modest stipend and travel expenses. This is a wonderful way to obtain research experience early in your career, and to make contacts with other scientists and students from around the country.
As you might expect for national programs the competition for slots is tough, but the rewards are great if you succeed. Announcements describing the programs, qualifications, and application procedures have been posted on the undergraduate major bulletin board outside Room 203.
The National Science Foundation also has a Web site, which gives details on all of the summer Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) programs that the NSF supports.
Research Opportunities: UA Undergraduate Research Grants
The University will award grants to undergraduates, typically around $800 - $1,000, to support "personalized research endeavors." Students must submit proposals with support of a faculty member. There is no restriction in the area of research. Applications may be obtained from The Honors College, in Slonaker House, Room 106. Call 621-6901 for more information, or see the posted announcement on the undergrad bulletin board outside Room 203.
Research Opportunities: Space Grant
Are you interested in getting paid to work on a space science related research project next year? The University's Space Grant Program will hire about 40 students next year as undergraduate interns. The Space Grant Undergraduate Research Internships provide paid support for 10-20 hours per week, to work with a faculty member on a research project. Any full-time undergraduate student at the University who is a U.S. citizen is eligible to apply, and competition is stiff. But if you have a strong academic record and an interest in this program, we strongly encourage you to apply. In most years the program has supported several astronomy majors.
If you would like to apply for an internship, the application deadline is usually in early May. Application forms may be obtained from the Astronomy Department Office (Room N204) or from Susan Brew in the Space Science building. A poster describing the program is located at the undergraduate bulletin board outside Room 203 or see the Space Grant Web site.
Financial Aid: Departmental Scholarships
The Astronomy Department awards several undergraduate scholarships each academic year. All scholarships are restricted to declared Astronomy majors, and provide support for two semesters. The number of scholarships and the amount awarded varies from year to year, but generally we make between 5 and 10 awards in amounts ranging from $500 to $2,500 per year. Students who have received scholarships in previous years are eligible to re-apply for another award. Scholarship application forms are distributed to all Astronomy majors. Application deadlines are normally set for late March. Award decisions are made by a faculty committee. Awards are usually announced at the end of the Spring semester.
Financial Aid: Teaching-Related Job Opportunities
Every year the Astronomy Department hires 10-20 undergraduate students to assist in the teaching program. Preference is given to our own majors. The hourly wage depends on experience and the level of responsibility involved. Besides providing some extra money, these jobs provide you with some experience in teaching related activities, which can often be very rewarding on its own.
Below we list the positions that are expected to be available next year. We also list the qualifications we normally expect for the jobs. We will occasionally relax these requirements in an exceptional case, but they provide a general indication of the experience required.
Hiring decisions are usually made over the summer and early in the fall, after our teaching budget and graduate teaching assignments are determined. If you are interested in working in one of these positions, contact Dr. Tom Fleming at tfleming@as.arizona.edu.
Telescope Operator: These individuals run the campus telescopes on Monday-Thursday evenings for the introductory courses. It involves one or two sessions of 3.5 hours per week. Qualifications: GPA of 2.25 or higher.
Exam Proctor: Assists in administration and machine grading of exams in introductory courses. Hours vary. Qualifications: GPA of 2.25 or higher.
Grader: Grading of homework and/or lab assignments for introductory courses. Hours vary. Qualifications: Completion of ASTR 300A, and GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Computer Lab Monitor/Tutor: Monitoring of undergraduate computer lab, Room 208, and providing tutoring help to students in introductory astronomy courses. Hours are flexible and are to be arranged with the faculty supervisor. Qualifications: completion of ASTR 300A GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Teacher's Aide: Participate in the instruction in General Education courses. Since this involves major teaching responsibilities, eligibility is restricted to very highly qualified students. Qualifications: Completion of at least a year of upper division astronomy courses (300A,B and 302) and GPA of 3.25 or higher.
Faculty Advisors
Faculty advisors are assigned to each student with Astronomy as their major. Check with the Academic Office if you do not know who your advisor is and the staff will be able to help you. If you wish to change advisors, simply file a written request with the Academic Office. Astronomy majors are required to meet with their advisor at least once a semester, to review progress and plan course selection for the following year. The advisor can also be a valuable source of information and support for more general matters, and a reference for scholarships, job applications, graduate school, etc. Please see the list of Undergraduate Faculty Advisors below:
Information about applying to the U of A
For further information about the Undergraduate Program, contact: John Bieging
Further Information is also available by contacting:
Department of Astronomy Academic Office
933 N Cherry Avenue, Room N204
Tucson AZ 85721-0065
Phone: (520) 621-2288
Fax: (520) 621-1532
