DEPARTMENT OF ASTRONOMY & ASTROPHYSICS
The Undergraduate Programs in Astronomy & Astrophysics
Astronomers study distant objects in the universe: planets in our solar system, stars in our galaxy, distant galaxies and quasars, and the universe as a whole. Their efforts begin with observations using large telescopes, some on the ground and others in space. Astronomers use these results to infer the physical properties and evolution of these celestial objects using the laws of physics.
The Astronomy & Astrophysics (ASTRO) major in Penn State's Eberly College of Science involves the scientific study of the universe and its constituents. Our undergraduate program includes considerable course work in physics, mathematics, and computer science, in addition to courses in astronomy. During your first two years as an ASTRO major, you will obtain a strong foundation in physics, mathematics, astronomy, and chemistry. In the later years, you receive a selection of advanced courses on topics such as theoretical astrophysics, observational methods, stars and exoplanets, galaxies and cosmology, high-energy astrophysics, and computational methods. At the end of your second year, you choose one of two options depending on whether you wish to emphasize physics or computer science to complement your advanced Astronomy & Astrophysics courses.
In 2013, the Department began to offer the Planetary Science & Astronomy (PASTR) major, as another option for students. The coursework in this program has a larger variety of options, and includes options to gain expertise in astrobiology, geosciences, and science education, in addition to a slate of astronomy courses.
Our majors receive close personal attention in this relatively small undergraduate program. Our faculty are involved in world-class research in many areas of Astronomy & Astrophysics, and undergraduates, even as freshman, have the opportunity to join in their research efforts.
This handbook outlines the program requirements for the two options in the ASTRO major, the PASTR major, as well as the ASTRO and PASTR minors. This handbook supplements, but does not supersede, the University's Baccalaureate Degree Programs Bulletin, Policies and Rules, and booklets on General Education and cultural diversity in the curriculum.
Additional information about the Department of Astronomy & Astrophysics, including courses, research activity, and personnel can be found at: http://www.astro.psu.edu