Undergraduate Academics
Interdisciplinary Astronomy Major
Related links:
These materials are intended to supplement the information contained in the Bulletin of the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts.
On Concentrating in Interdisciplinary Astronomy...
The concentration in Interdisciplinary Astronomy is offered to students wishing to develop a substantive expertise in astronomy, a practical understanding of science, and a basic ability to communicate science to the public. This concentration offers the opportunity to include contextual understanding of astronomy with respect to history, philosophy of science, and geoscience.
This concentration is especially appropriate for students who plan a career in science communication, such as those who plan to become science teachers, or journalists.
How Do I Declare A Concentration or a Minor?
If you are considering a concentration in Astronomy and Astrophysics or would like to know more about it, consult the concentration advisor:
Professor Ted Bergin
Room 933
Dennison Building
764-3440 or 764-3454
e-mail: ebergin@umich.edu
The concentration advisor will discuss the program with you, answer questions, and set up a tentative concentration plan that is suited to your particular interests. This will ensure that you fulfill all necessary requirements for the degree, but you may modify it at a later time if your interests change. You might find it helpful to consult with the concentration advisor before pre-registration each semester.
At the time you decide to declare a concentration or minor, you should fill out a "LSA Concentration/Minor Declaration Form". The concentration advisor has them, or they can be found at: http://www.lsa.umich.edu/UofM/Content/lsa/document/DeclarationForm.pdf
In your next to last semester, you and your concentration advisor should review that you have all the necessary required courses. You should apply for an academic audit before registering for your final semester. Information on graduation procedures and instructions for applying for an audit are at http://www.lsa.umich.edu/students/gradprocedures
Most of the information about graduation can be found at the LS&A site: http://lsa.umich.edu/students/gradprocedures
The Newnan Academic Advising Center is in 1255 Angell Hall, phone number, 764-0332. For more information, see: http://lsa.umich.edu/advising
Student Astronomical Society
This is the student club with about a dozen members. They use a room on the 10th floor of Dennison for studying, research, and meetings. They hold public nights at the on campus telescopes, among other activities and they have been very important in forming a peer group of undergraduate concentrators. Their web site is http://www.astro.lsa.umich.edu/sas/
Concentration Courses Interdisciplinary Astronomy
| Prerequisites to concentration: At least 3 credits of 100 level astro and: | |||
| Math 115 | Calculus I | 4 | |
| Math 116 | Calculus II. | 4 | |
| Physics 140/141 | General Physics I.; Elementary Lab. I. | 5 | |
| Requirements for the Concentration: | |||
| Astr 201 | Introduction to Astrophysics | 4 | FW |
| Astr 305 | Astronomy and the Community (can be elected for 1 - 3 credits per semester) | 1-3 | FWSpS |
| Astr 429 | Senior Seminar (satisfies the Sr. writing requirement) | 2 | F |
| 9 credits from: ( at least 3 credits must be at the 300-level or above.) | |||
| Astr 205 | Exploring the X-ray Universe | 3 | |
| Astr 210 | The Universe Through the Eyes of Magellan | 3 | |
| Astr 220 | New Discoveries in Astronomy | 3 | F/W |
| Astr 361 | Astronomical Techniques | 4 | W |
| Astr 402 | Stellar Astrophysics | 3 | F |
| Astr 403 | Interstellar Medium | 3 | |
| Astr 404 | Galaxies and Cosmology | 3 | W |
| Astr 405 | High Energy Astrophysics | 3 | |
| 3 credits from: (note Earth was formerly GeoSci. GeoSci classes of the same number are acceptable) | |||
| Earth 201 | Introduction to Physical Geography: The Earth System | 4/3 | |
| Earth/astro 204 | The Planets: Their Geology and Climates | 3 | |
| Earth320 | Earth Systems Evolution | 4 | |
| Earth 325 | Environmental Geochemistry | 3 | |
| Earth 331 | Climate and Climate Change (see bulletin for credit restrictions | 4/3 | |
| Earth351/451 | Earth Structure | 4 | |
| Earth 420 | Introductory Earth Physics | 3 | |
| Earth 446 | Paleoclimatology (this class no longer appears in the Bulletin) | ||
| Elective: 3 credits from: | |||
| Any 300 or 400 level astro course, including 300 or 301 | |||
| Phil 420 | Philosophy of Science | 3 | |
| Phil 422 | Philosophy of Physics | 3/2 | |
| Phil 423 | Problems of Space and Time | 3/2 | |
| Phil 424 | Philosophy of Quantum Mechanics | 3/2 | |
| Phil 427 | Science and Gender | 3/2 | |
| Phil 464 | The Scientific Revolution | 3/2 | |
| Physics 411 | Introduction to Computational Physics | 3 | |
| Physics 420 | Physics for Educators | 3 | |
| Physics 424 | Physics in Action | 3 | |
| Physics 481 | Science, Technology and Public Policy | 3 | |
Students are encouraged to take additional Physics courses in their earlier course of study. Some classes in other departments may be offered for reduced credit during the spring or summer half terms. Please check the LSA Bulletin for current information from other departments.
