Astronomy, Bachelor of Science
The Astronomy BS degree places students at the frontier of society's quest to answer the big questions: What's in space? How did our Universe form? How is life supported on Planet Earth? Studying these fundamental questions of astronomy and planetary science requires a multidisciplinary approach and the use of advanced technologies and equipment, including telescopes (on Earth or in space), robotic missions, and sophisticated laboratory instrumentation. Skills in math, physics, chemistry, and geology are also essential to provide us with our current understanding of the Cosmos and how we came to be within it.
Requirements Accordion Open
To receive a bachelor's degree at Northern Arizona University, you must complete at least 120 units of credit that minimally includes a major, the general studies requirements, and university requirements as listed below.
- All of Northern Arizona University's general studies, junior-level writing, and capstone requirements.
- All requirements for your specific academic plan(s).
- At least 30 units of upper-division courses, which may include transfer work.
- At least 30 units of coursework taken through Northern Arizona University, of which at least 18 must be upper-division courses (300-level or above). This requirement is not met by credit-by-exam, retro-credits, transfer coursework, etc.
- A cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 on all work attempted at Northern Arizona University.
The full policy can be viewed here.
Overview Accordion Closed
In addition to University Requirements:
- 77 - 80 units of major requirements.
- Up to 9 units of major prefix courses may be used to satisfy General Studies Requirements; these same courses may also be used to satisfy major requirements.
- Elective courses, if needed, to reach an overall total of at least 120 units.
Students may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement. Contact your advisor for details.
| Minimum Units for Completion | 120 |
| Highest Mathematics Required | MAT 239 |
| Research | Optional |
| University Honors Program | Optional |
| AZ Transfer Students complete AGEC-S | Recommended |
| Progression Plan Link | View Progression Plan |
Purpose Statement
Our BS in Astronomy program is designed to prepare students for a career in a technical field or for graduate studies in astronomy or planetary sciences.
Student Learning Outcomes
- Physics Content
- Have an understanding of the laws of physics in the areas of
- Classical mechanics
- Electricity and magnetism
- Special relativity
- Waves
- Optics
- Atomic physics
- Nuclear physics
- Thermodynamics
- Have an understanding of the laws of physics in the areas of
- Astronomy Content
- Apply the laws of physics in order to understand the
- origin and evolution of the Solar System and other planetary systems.
- Origin and evolution of stars.
- Origin and evolution of galaxies.
- Evolution of the Universe, i.e. cosmology.
- Apply the laws of physics in order to understand the
- Laboratory Skills
- Take good data with increasingly sophisticated equipment in introductory, intermediate, and advanced physics laboratories.
- Take good data with a research grade telescope and a CCD imaging system
- Identify random and systematic errors, and propagate errors.
- Synthesize an appropriate conclusion from a physics experiment or an astronomical observation.
- Computational Skills
- Apply mathematical tools such as elementary probability theory, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, differential and integral calculus, vector calculus, ordinary differential equations, partial differential equations, and linear algebra to solve physics and astronomy problems.
- Become proficient in a computing language such as MATLAB.
- Write code in a computing language in order to explain or predict the behavior of a complex physical system.
- Reduce and analyze data from a research grade telescope and a CCD imaging system using professional astronomical software such as IRAF.
- Problem Solving Skills
- Develop problem-solving capacities.
- Ascertain the known and unknown aspects of a problem.
- Describe the fundamental physical principles in the problem.
- Articulate a pathway toward solving the problem.
- Successfully follow the path and solve the problem.
- Communication Skills
- Clearly communicate and defend their work in verbal, written, and visual formats to scientific and non-scientific audiences.
Details Accordion Closed
Major Requirements
This major requires 77 - 87 units
Take the following 77 - 87 units:- AST 103, AST 180, AST 181L, AST 280, AST 390, AST 391, AST 392, AST 401, AST 401L (23 units)
- Select one from the following options (4 units):
- Select one from the following which meet the junior-level writing requirement (3 units):
- AST 496C which meets the capstone requirement (3 units)
- MAT 136, MAT 137, MAT 238, MAT 239 (15 units)
- Select from the following (4 - 5 units):
- Select from the following (4 - 5 units):
- PHY 263, PHY 321, PHY 361 (9 units)
- Select from the following (3 units):
- Select additional from the following (9 - 10 units):
*PHY 171 and PHY 172 are recommended in consultation with your advisor.
General Electives
Additional coursework is required if, after you have met the previously described requirements, you have not yet completed a total of 120 units of credit.
You may take these remaining courses from any of the academic areas, using these courses to pursue your specific interests and goals. You may also use prerequisites or transfer credits as electives if they weren't used to meet major, minor, or General Studies Requirements.
We encourage you to consult with your advisor to select the courses that will be most advantageous to you.
Additional Information
Some courses may have prerequisites. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.
