Astronomy (Minor)
Program Guidelines and Mission Statement
The astronomy curriculum at Denison University begins by exploring the planets and moons, the origin of the solar system, stellar classification, stellar evolution, galactic astronomy, and cosmology, with a focus on the observational and quantitative nature of the field. Students pursuing the minor in astronomy will also take courses in introductory physics, investigating motion, fluids, heat, electricity, magnetism, waves, optics, and topics in modern physics such as atomic structure and special relativity. Advanced coursework will apply the foundational concepts from the introductory level to develop models for stellar systems, and explore supernovae, general relativity and black holes, the structure of our galaxy, active galactic nuclei, and the evolution of the universe.
Faculty
Associate Professor Melanie Lott, Chair
Professors Steven D. Doty, N. Daniel Gibson, Daniel C. Homan, Riina Tehver, C. Wesley Walter; Melanie Lott, Steven Olmschenk; Visiting Assistant Professor Sandra Doty
Technician/Instrument Maker
Michael Thomas
Academic Administrative Assistant
Cathy Geho
Astronomy Minor
Minimum requirements for a Minor in Astronomy are:
| Code | Title | |
|---|---|---|
| ASTR 100 | Introduction to Astronomy | |
| ASTR 125 | Physics I: Quarks to Cosmos | |
| or PHYS 125 | Physics I: Quarks to Cosmos | |
| PHYS 121 | General Physics I | |
| or PHYS 126 | Physics II: Mechanics, Fluids, and Heat | |
| PHYS 122 | General Physics II | |
| or PHYS 127 | Physics III: Electricity, Magnetism, Waves, and Optics | |
| ASTR 300 | Astrophysics | |
| Plus an Astronomy Elective at the 200-level or above. | ||
Students who have taken PHYS 121 - General Physics I or PHYS 122 - General Physics II should consult with the Chair about requirements. The experimental course, ASTR 312 - Experimental Physics, may be modified to reflect the student's interest in Astronomy. Early consultation with the Department is imperative. See the Physics Department section of the catalog. Any courses used to satisfy the upper-level elective requirement for the Physics major (BA or BS) or for the Physics minor may not also be used to satisfy the Astronomy minor.
Courses
ASTR 100 - Introduction to Astronomy (4 Credit Hours)
An introductory course in astronomy, intended for any student who wishes to better understand the nature of the universe. Topics may include the history of astronomy, naked eye observations, the planets and moons, the origin of the solar system, stellar classification, stellar evolution, galactic astronomy, and cosmology. Class and laboratory work will explore the physical and observational background for these topics with an emphasis on the quantitative nature of modern astronomy. Three classroom hours and one two-hour laboratory each week. This course satisfies the quantitative reasoning general education requirement. No previous training in physics is expected; mathematical preparation is assumed to include high school algebra and trigonometry.
ASTR 125 - Physics I: Quarks to Cosmos (4 Credit Hours)
A course that introduces students to topics that are at the current frontiers of physics and astronomy, and helps students develop quantitative reasoning and analytical skills necessary for further study in these fields. Topics typically include special relativity, waves and interference, quantization of light and energy, the hydrogen atom, nuclear structure, radioactivity, and cosmology. Required first course for physics or pre-engineering students. Students must also enroll in one required Laboratory section. Offered in the fall semester only.
Prerequisite(s): MATH 130 or MATH 135 or MATH 145 or concurrent.
Crosslisting: PHYS 125.
ASTR 300 - Astrophysics (4 Credit Hours)
This course is designed to teach students to build and use physical models to understand a variety of astronomical systems. Students will apply key concepts from modern and classical physics in an astronomical context, including gravity, light, relativity, thermodynamics, nuclear physics, and the interactions of light and matter. They will first develop models for stellar systems, and then explore other astrophysical topics, such as supernovae, general relativity and black holes, the structure of our galaxy, active galactic nuclei, and cosmology.
Prerequisite(s): ASTR 100, and ASTR 125 or PHYS 125, and PHYS 122 or PHYS 127.
ASTR 312 - Experimental Physics (4 Credit Hours)
An advanced lab course focused on experimental design and techniques, applying statistical principles to analyze and interpret data, and communicating scientific results through writing. May be repeated once for credit as either PHYS 312 or ASTR 312.
Prerequisite(s): PHYS 122 or PHYS 127, PHYS 200 recommended.
Crosslisting: PHYS 312.
ASTR 361 - Directed Study (1-4 Credit Hours)
A student in good standing may work intensively in areas of special interest under the Directed Study plan. A Directed Study is appropriate when, under the guidance of a faculty member, a student wants to explore a subject more fully than is possible in a regular course or to study a subject not covered in the regular curriculum. A Directed Study should not normally duplicate a course that is regularly offered. Directed Studies are normally taken for 3 or 4 credits. A one-semester Directed Study is limited to a maximum of 4 credit hours. Note: Directed Studies may not be used to fulfill General Education requirements.
Prerequisite(s): Consent of chairperson.
ASTR 362 - Directed Study (1-4 Credit Hours)
A student in good standing may work intensively in areas of special interest under the Directed Study plan. A Directed Study is appropriate when, under the guidance of a faculty member, a student wants to explore a subject more fully than is possible in a regular course or to study a subject not covered in the regular curriculum. A Directed Study should not normally duplicate a course that is regularly offered. Directed Studies are normally taken for 3 or 4 credits. A one-semester Directed Study is limited to a maximum of 4 credit hours. Note: Directed Studies may not be used to fulfill General Education requirements.
Prerequisite(s): Consent of chairperson.
ASTR 363 - Independent Study (1-4 Credit Hours)
Independent Study engages a student in the pursuit of clearly defined goals. In this effort a student may employ skills and information developed in previous course experiences or may develop some mastery of new knowledge or skills. A proposal for an Independent Study project must be approved in advance by the faculty member who agrees to serve as the project advisor. Note: Independent Studies may not be used to fulfill General Education requirements.
ASTR 364 - Independent Study (1-4 Credit Hours)
Independent Study engages a student in the pursuit of clearly defined goals. In this effort a student may employ skills and information developed in previous course experiences or may develop some mastery of new knowledge or skills. A proposal for an Independent Study project must be approved in advance by the faculty member who agrees to serve as the project advisor. Note: Independent Studies may not be used to fulfill General Education requirements.
ASTR 451 - Senior Research (4 Credit Hours)
Students may enroll in Senior Research in their final year at Denison. Normally, Senior Research requires a major thesis, report, or project in the student's field of concentration and carries eight semester-hours of credit for the year. Typically, a final grade for a year-long Senior Research will not be assigned until the completion of the year-long Senior Research at the end of the second semester. Each semester of Senior Research is limited to a maximum of 4 credit hours. Note: Senior Research may not be used to fulfill General Education requirements.
Prerequisite(s): Prior consent of the instructor (faculty member advising the research) and the Department Chair required.
ASTR 452 - Senior Research (4 Credit Hours)
Students may enroll in Senior Research in their final year at Denison. Normally, Senior Research requires a major thesis, report, or project in the student's field of concentration and carries eight semester-hours of credit for the year. Typically, a final grade for a year-long Senior Research will not be assigned until the completion of the year-long Senior Research at the end of the second semester. Each semester of Senior Research is limited to a maximum of 4 credit hours. Note: Senior Research may not be used to fulfill General Education requirements.
Prerequisite(s): PHYS 312 and prior consent of the instructor (faculty member advising the research) and the Department Chair are required.