COLLEGE of ARTS and SCIENCES
ASTRONOMY
Associate Professor Jim Murphy, department head
Professors Anderson, Klypin, McNamara, Walterbos; Associate Professors Holtzman, Vogt; Assistant Professors Churchill; College Professors Beebe, Webber; College Assistant Professors Chanover, Harrison
(575) 646-4438
MINOR: Astronomy
The department offers an undergraduate astronomy minor degree, which requires 18 credits. The department does not offer a B.S. degree but encourages interested students to enroll in the physics program as a first step toward a career in astronomy. Our 100- and 300-level courses meet various university general education requirements. All students are invited to share with us this exciting area of study, through our basic and advanced undergraduate courses. The Department of Astronomy offers a graduate program leading to M.S. and Ph.D. degrees. Interested students should consult the Graduate School Catalog, which is available from the Graduate School.
Regular Undergraduate Course Offerings
| ASTR 105G, The Planets | 4 |
| ASTR 110G, Introduction to Astronomy | 4 |
| ASTR 301V, Revolutionary Ideas in Science | 3 |
| ASTR 305V, Life in the Universe | 3 |
| ASTR 308V, Into the Final Frontier | 3 |
| ASTR 330V, Planetary Exploration | 3 |
| ASTR 405, Astronomy and Astrophysics I | 3 |
| ASTR 406, Astronomy and Astrophysics II | 3 |
| ASTR 435, Observational Techniques I | 3 |
Other courses at the 300- and 400-levels are offered on an occasional basis. Consult the “Course Descriptions” chapter in this catalog.
MINOR: Astronomy
| Pass one of ASTR 105G, The Planets; or ASTR 110G, Introduction to Astronomy | 4 |
| Pass two of: ASTR 301V, Revolutionary Ideas in Science, ASTR 305V, Life in the Universe, ASTR 308V, Into the Final Frontier, and/or ASTR 330V, Planetary Exploration | 6 |
- Note: ASTR 400 (Undergraduate Research) may replace one or both of the courses in this area
Pass one in each of the following:
| a) ASTR 405, Astronomy and Astrophysics I or ASTR 505, Astronomy and Astrophysics I | 3 |
| b) ASTR 406, Astronomy and Astrophysics II, or ASTR 506, Astronomy and Astrophysics II | 3 |
| c) ASTR 435, Observational Techniques I, or ASTR 535, Observational Techniques I | 3 |