Minor in Astronomy

The Minor in Astronomy, offered jointly by the Department of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences and the Department of Physics, covers the observational and theoretical foundations of astronomy. The minor requires seven subjects as follows:

Astronomy, Mathematics, and Physics
8.03Physics III12
8.282[J]Introduction to Astronomy9
18.03Differential Equations 112
Astrophysics
8.284Modern Astrophysics12
or 8.286 The Early Universe
Planetary Astronomy
Select one of the following:12
Our Space Odyssey
Essentials of Planetary Science
Extrasolar Planets: Physics and Detection Techniques
Instrumentation and Observations
Select one of the following:12-18
Observational Techniques of Optical Astronomy
Space Systems Engineering
Space Systems Development
Independent Project in Astronomy
Select one of the following:9-12
Undergraduate Research
or 12.UR
Undergraduate Research
Undergraduate Physics Thesis
or 12.THU
Undergraduate Thesis
Astronomy Field Camp
Total Units78-87
1

18.032 Differential Equations is also an acceptable alternative. 

A maximum of three subjects can count toward the astronomy minor, and a major or another minor. Further information on the minor can be obtained from Professor Michael A. McDonald, 54-426, 617-253-6486.