Academic Learning Compact - Astronomy

The Bachelor of Science in astronomy provides knowledge of basic concepts, theories and observational findings concerning the structure and evolution of planetary systems, stars, stellar systems such as galaxies, and cosmology. You will understand the basic concepts, theories and experimental findings in modern physics, electricity and magnetism, and mechanics as they apply to astronomy and astrophysics. You will learn scientific methodology and its application in specific contexts, the use of observations in testing hypotheses and the limitations of astronomical observations as well as how to critically evaluate them.

Additional information is available from your major's website.

Before Graduating You Must

• Demonstrate satisfactory (C or better) performance on a selection of coursework from each of the 4000-level astronomy courses as graded by a faculty committee independently of the instructor and not as part of the course grade.

Skills You Will Acquire in the Major (SLOs)

1. Know basic concepts, theories and observational findings concerning the structure and evolution of planetary systems, stars, stellar systems and cosmology.
2. Know basic concepts, theories and experimental findings in three core areas of physics – modern physics, electricity and magnetism and mechanics – as they apply to astronomy and astrophysics.
3. Know scientific methodology and its application in specific contexts, the use of observations in testing hypotheses and the limitations of astronomical observations.
4. Evaluate the significance and quality of information gathered observationally or from the literature, reason critically from this information and apply it effectively.
5. Articulate research results clearly in speech and in writing in an appropriate style of presentation.