The Astronomy and Space Science Emphasis

Intended for students who are interested in astronomy and a career in astronomy, astrophysics, and/or space science.

Includes a strong major in physics with astronomy and astrophysics courses for emphasis.

Within the physics major, a emphasis in astronomy is best for students who are considering either graduate school in astronomy after graduation from Valparaiso University or a career in related fields. Astronomy continues to capture the imagination of human beings through the study of stars and galaxies in the night sky. At least part of this fascination is kindled by our interest in discovering our connection to the rest of the vast universe.

Experience tells us that students who are interested in astronomy or space science related careers are best served by a sound basis in physics which undergirds astronomy and space science. Use the astronomny, astrophysics, and space science elective courses in the major to advance the knowledge, skills, and experience in these fields.

The astronomy and space science emphasis includes both classroom instruction as well as direct experience with observational astronomy using the Valparaiso University astronomical observatory. This observatory has been upgraded at a cost of well over $100,000 to include --

  • A 16 inch, Cassegrain focus, computer controlled telescope.
  • A digital photometer to measure light levels in stars.
  • A high speed computer for data collection and data analysis.
  • A high speed network link to connect with the campus and the intnet.
  • A spectrograph for spectrum analysis of stars and galaxies.
  • A CCD camera for digital images of stars and galaxies.
  • An attached control room and data analysis building.

Students use these facilities to learn how to perform observations of a wide range of astronomical objects and to collect data for their senior research projects, some of which have recently been published with the student as co-author.

In addition to the observational astronomy here, we have access to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) data from orbiting satellite observatories in various wavelengths.

The elective courses within the physics major which are most helpful in the astronomy, astrophysics and space science emphasis are the following:

Course Title
Semester
Semester
Required

.
Suggested
hours
Elective

ASTR-101 Astronomy
1
3
Elective

ASTR-101L Astronomy Laboratory
1
1
Elective

ASTR-190 Topics in Astronomy and Space Science (On Demand)
TBA
1
Elective

ASTR-221 Observational Astronomy (Spring, odd years)
2 or 4
3
Elective

ASTR-252 Astrophysics (Spring, even years)
4 or 6 or 8
3
Elective

ASTR-390 Topics in Astronomy (On Demand)
TBA
1-3
Elective

ASTR-445 Experimental Problems in Astronomy
7 and 8
1
Elective

NOTES:

  • Catalog descriptions of the astronomy courses are available.
  • There are a total of 25 s.h. (out of a minimum of 32 s.h.) of rquired couses in the physics major.
  • The ASTR-445 will substitute for PHYS-445 in the requirements for the physics major.
  • Most of the upper level elective courses are taught in alternate years, but all are available in the 4 yr program.
  • Specific courses of study are worked out with your department faculty academic advisor each semester.
  • You may puruse current information about these courses from the home page under courses.

You wlll find more details about other options within the major program of study from the degree programs main page.

Return to Degree Programs main page

Please forward questions, comments, or suggestions to us at physics@valpo.edu .
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