ASTRONOMY AND SPACE SCIENCE

AT VALPARAISO UNIVERSITY

Probably no other single intellectual endeavor captures the imagination of human beings like 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.

At Valparaiso University, the Department of Physics and Astronomy continues to develop its program of study in astronomy and astrophysics to help students in all majors understand and appreciate the wonders of this universe. Building upon our strong basic physics program, you can pursue a major in physics with an emphasis in astronomy and space science.

We have a well-equipped undergraduate astronomical observatory with:

  • A 16 inch computer-controlled telescope.
  • A CCD camera for digital images of stars and galaxies.
  • A digital photometer to measure light levels in stars.
  • A spectrograph for spectral analysis of stars.
  • High-speed computers for data collection and data analysis.

This equipment is not for a graduate student's or professor's research; it is for undergraduates, for you to use in your studies at Valparaiso University. Selected undergraduate students run the observatory, helping others to learn about the objects in the night sky. Students use these facilities to collect data for their senior research projects. Students also use them in the summer as they carry out research on evolved stars under the supervision of Prof. Hrivnak.

The specific courses in Astronomy and Space Science are as follows:

  • Astr 101: Introduction to Astronomy (3 cr + 1 cr Lab)
  • Astr 190: Topics in Astronomy & Space Science (1 cr)
  • Astr 221: Observational Astronomy (1 cr)
  • Astr 252: Introduction to Astrophysics (3 cr)
  • Astr 445: Senior Research Project in Astronomy (2 cr)
  • Astr 492: Supervised Research in Astronomy (1 cr)

Summers provide students with special opportunities for extended research under the supervision of department faculty.

We would like you to visit VU to see our campus observatory, our computing facilities, and our laboratories. You can also meet our faculty and students and tour the campus. If this sounds interesting to you, call 1-888-GO VALPO and arrange a visit. You'll see what you will get as part of the Valpo education in physics and astronomy.