Astronomy Minor
1208 Physical Sciences Complex
Phone: 301-405-3001
http://astro.umd.edu
Program Director: Melissa Hayes-Gehrke, Ph.D.
This minor is designed to provide students with a background in astronomy that focuses on answering the fundamental questions about our origins that humans have pondered over the ages. Building on an introductory survey of astronomy, students will explore topics in planetary science such as asteroid collisions with the Earth or the science of extrasolar planets as viewed through the lens of science fiction. The upper level requirements will offer students the choice of focusing on the origin and evolution of stars, astronomy in the media, our Solar System, our universe, and life elsewhere in the universe.
A minor in Astronomy may be earned by completing the following with grades of "C-" or better. An appointment must be made to register for the minor before final 30 credits are taken. Please visit http://astro.umd.edu/undergrad/minor for complete rules and procedures and contact the department with any questions.
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select one of the following: 1 | 3-4 | |
| Introduction to Astronomy | ||
| General Astronomy | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Collisions in Space - The Threat of Asteroid Impacts | ||
| The Science and Fiction of Planetary Systems | ||
| Select three of the following: | 9-10 | |
| Stars and Stellar Systems | ||
ASTR305 | ||
| Astronomy in Practice | ||
| Solar System Astronomy | ||
| Origin of the Universe | ||
| Black Holes | ||
| Life in the Universe - Astrobiology | ||
| Special Problems in Astronomy | ||
CRSxx | Or a course approved by the department | |
| Total Credits | 15-17 | |
- 1
or equivalent transfer course(s)