Astronomy
Overview
If you've always got your head in the clouds, Astronomy could be the major for you. Astronomers seek to understand how the universe-the planets, stars and galaxies-have evolved and functioned over time. They therefore help shape our understanding of the physical world. How old is the Earth? What is a black hole? These are just some of the questions that astronomers have tried to answer. Equipped with the latest technology, astronomers are dependant entirely upon their ability to observe and record. Unlike other sciences, though, astronomers will never be able to come into direct contact with the objects they study. Instead, astronomers rely on a keen eye, very, very large telescopes, and some theoretical physics to help interpret all of the electromagnetic rays (and numerous other invisible forces) that continually bombard Earth.SAMPLE CURRICULUM
A basic curriculum in Astronomy is going to be heavily based in the sciences, so be prepared for a lot of math and physics. General courses Astronomy majors have to take include:
Astronomical Observations
Calculus and Analytic Geometry
Particles and Motion
Particles and Waves
Quantum Physics I and II
Solar System Astronomy
Statistical Physics
Stellar and Galactic Astronomy
Stellar Evolution or Cosmology
Theoretical Mechanics
Thermal Physics and Electrostatistics
Vector Analysis
HIGH SCHOOl PREPARATION
GRADUATE PROGRAMS & CAREERS
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