CEFNS Astronomy and Planetary Science
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  • Astrobiology Minor


Astrobiology, Minor

Astrobiology is one of the fastest developing subfields of astronomy and planetary science, with a particular emphasis on the formation of life on Earth and other planets, survival in extreme environments, and the "migration" of life through space. This minor combines a broad astronomical perspective and understanding to students with interests in the formation, evolution, and survival of life on Earth under a variety of environmental conditions. Students minoring in Astrobiology will be prepared to provide a cosmic perspective to more traditional biological and ecological fields, while this strong biological and ecological background will also enable students to truly appreciate the uniqueness of Earth and comparisons to other planetary bodies both within and outside of our own solar system.

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Requirements Accordion Open

  • A minor is earned in conjunction with a bachelor's degree.

    To receive a minor (18 - 24 units) at Northern Arizona University, you must complete a planned group of courses from one or more subject matter areas with a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0. At least 12 units of the minor must be unique to that minor and not applied to any other minor.

Overview Accordion Closed

In addition to University Requirements:

  • Complete individual plan requirements.

Students may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement. Contact your advisor for details.

No more than fifty percent of the units used to satisfy minor requirements may be used to satisfy major requirements.

Minimum Units for Completion23
Highest Mathematics RequiredMAT 137

Purpose Statement

The purpose of this minor in Astrobiology is to combine a broad astronomical perspective and understanding to students with interests in the formation, evolution, and survival of life on Earth under a variety of environmental conditions.  The wide variety of electives available through this minor option highlights the interdisciplinary nature of this growing field and emphasizes the unique avenues that students can pursue to gain a strong foundational background in this growing field.  Specific courses in microbiology, astronomical scales and perspectives, and biological responses to environmental factors will constitute the bulk of the required coursework.  Students minoring in Astrobiology will be prepared to provide a cosmic perspective to more traditional biological and ecological fields, while this strong biological and ecological background will also enable students to truly appreciate the uniqueness of Earth and comparisons to other planetary bodies both within and outside of our own solar system.

Student Learning Outcomes

  • Critically evaluate the properties and conditions that likely lead to the formation of life at or near planetary surfaces.
  • Understand the linkages between biological evolution and the geological and astronomical conditions that facilitate, promote, encourage, and require such evolution to occur.
  • Describe what makes the Earth unique from the perspective of planetary habitability, and articulate the challenges that must be overcome on other planetary bodies.
  • Critically evaluate the requirements necessary to perform "traditional" biological and ecological studies on other planetary bodies, which would help to inform current efforts to search for extraterrestrial life beyond Earth.

Details Accordion Closed

Minor Requirements
  • Take the following 23 units:*

    • AST 183, AST 184L, AST 280, AST 390 (10 units)
    • BIO 205, BIO 205L  (4 units)
    • Select from the following (9 units):
      • BIO 240, BIO 344, BIO 346, BIO 471C, BIO 479
      • CHM 462C
      • CHM 360 or CHM 461
      • BIO 485, BIO 497, BIO 499
  • *Students pursuing a BS in Biology, Biomedical Science, or Microbiology have alternative requirements outlined below.

  • Minor Requirements for Biology, BS Majors
    • Take the following 23 units:

      • AST 183, AST 184L, AST 280, AST 390 (10 units)
      • BIO 205, BIO 205L (4 units)
      • Select from the following (6 units):
        • BIO 240, BIO 344, BIO 346, BIO 471C, BIO 479
        • CHM 462C
        • CHM 360 or CHM 461
        • BIO 485, BIO 497, BIO 499
      • One additional course that cannot be used for your major (3 units) 
  • Minor Requirements for Biomedical Science, BS Majors
    • Take the following 23 units:

      • AST 183, AST 184L, AST 280, AST 390 (10 units) 
      • BIO 205, BIO 205L (4 units)
      • Select from the following (3 units):
        • BIO 471C, BIO 479
      • Select from the following (6 units):
        • BIO 240, BIO 344, BIO 346, BIO 471C, BIO 479
        • CHM 462C
        • CHM 360 or CHM 461
        • BIO 485, BIO 497, BIO 499
  • Minor Requirements for Microbiology, BS Majors
    • Take the following 23 units:

      • AST 183, AST 184L, AST 280, AST 390 (10 units) 
      • BIO 205, BIO 205L (4 units)
      • Select from the following (3 units):
        • CHM 462C
        • CHM 360 or CHM 461 This course cannot be used for your major.
      • Select from the following (6 units):
        • BIO 240, BIO 344, BIO 346, BIO 471C, BIO 479
        • CHM 360 or CHM 461
        • CHM 462C
        • BIO 485, BIO 497, BIO 499
Additional Information
  • Some courses may have prerequisites. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.

Availability Accordion Closed

  • Flagstaff



Contact the Dept. of Astronomy & Planetary Science

Email:
astro​@nau.edu
Call:
928-523-2661
Get application information
Astronomy and Planetary Science
Location
Room 209 Building 19
Physical Sciences
527 S. Beaver St.
Flagstaff, Arizona 86011-6010
Mailing Address
NAU Box 6010
Flagstaff, Arizona 86011-6010
Email
astro@nau.edu
Phone
928-523-2661
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