ASTRONOMY & ASTROPHYSICSEberly College of Science

UNDERGRADUATE HANDBOOK

The Penn State Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics is located in Davey Lab at University Park.

University Park

DEPARTMENT OF ASTRONOMY & ASTROPHYSICS

Eberly College of Science

Undergraduate Program in Astronomy & Astrophysics

Astronomers study distant objects in the universe: planets in our solar system, stars in our galaxy, distant galaxies and quasars, and the universe as a whole. Their efforts begin with observations using large telescopes, some on the ground and others in space. Astronomers use these results to infer the physical properties and evolution of these celestial objects using the laws of physics.

The Astronomy & Astrophysics (ASTRO) major in Penn State's Eberly College of Science involves the scientific study of the universe and its constituents. Our undergraduate program includes considerable course work in physics, mathematics, and computer science, in addition to courses in astronomy. During your first two years as an ASTRO major, you will obtain a strong foundation in physics, mathematics, astronomy, and chemistry. In the later years, you receive a selection of advanced courses on topics such as theoretical astrophysics, observational methods, stars and extrasolar planets, galaxies and cosmology, high-energy astrophysics, and computational methods. At the end of your second year, you choose one of two options depending on whether you wish to emphasize physics or computer science to complement your advanced Astronomy & Astrophysics courses.

In 2013, the Department began to offer the Planetary Science & Astronomy (PASTR) major, as another option for students. The coursework in this program has a larger variety of options, and includes options to gain expertise in astrobiology, geosciences, and science education, in addition to a large slate of astronomy courses.

Our majors receive close personal attention in this relatively small undergraduate program. Our faculty are involved in world-class research in many areas of Astronomy & Astrophysics, and undergraduates, even as freshman, have the opportunity to join in their research efforts.

This handbook outlines the program requirements for the two options in the ASTRO major, the PASTR major as well as the ASTRO and PASTR minors. This handbook supplements, but does not supersede, the University's Baccalaureate Degree Programs Bulletin, Policies and Rules, and booklets on General Education and cultural diversity in the curriculum.

Additional information about the Department of Astronomy & Astrophysics, including courses, research activity, and personnel can be found at: http://www.astro.psu.edu

Contact Persons in Astronomy & Astrophysics

Students are welcome to speak with department members about their educational goals, academic questions or problems, quality of instruction, or any other issue regarding their undergraduate educational experience. The primary contacts are:

The student's faculty advisor

Undergraduate Staff Assistant:Nina Bumgarner525 Davey Lab814-865-0419ndb2@psu.edu

Assistant Department Head for Undergraduate Education:Chris Palma419 Davey Lab 814-865-2255mailto:cxp137@psu.edu

Schreyer Honors College Advisors: Niel Brandt wnb3@psu.eduJane Charlton jcc12@psu.eduChris Palma cxp137@psu.eduSteinn Sigurdsson sxs540@psu.eduAlex Wolszczan axw5@psu.edu

Advisor to Minors: Robin Ciardullo519 Davey Lab 814-865-6601rbc3@psu.edu

Department Head:Donald Schneider525 Davey Lab814-865-0410dps7@psu.edu

Additional information can be found on bulletin boards on the fifth floor of Davey Laboratory. The display across from 525 displays undergraduate information; the board next to 531 posts research and employment opportunities.

Table of Contents

The Astronomy & Astrophysics Major.....................................................................................2

The Planetary Science and Astronomy Major..........................................................................4

The Astronomy & Astrophysics Minor.....................................................................................6

The Planetary Science and Astronomy Minor..........................................................................6

The Astrobiology Minor.........................................................................................................6

Undergraduate Courses in Astronomy & Astrophysics.............................................................7Other Undergraduate Courses for the Astronomy & Astrophysics Major..................................................10ASTRO MAJOR - COMPUTER SCIENCE OPTION..........................................................................................14Other Undergraduate Courses for the Planetary Science and Astronomy Major......................................15Planned Schedule of Offerings: 2013 – 2017...........................................................................................18SUPPORTING COURSES (ASTRONOMY & ASTROPHYSICS)........................................................................19SUPPORTING COURSES (PLANETARY SCIENCE AND ASTRONOMY)...........................................................19

UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH...............................................................................................21

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES.....................................................................................................27

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.................................................................................................28HONORS PROGRAM..................................................................................................................................28FINANCIAL AID AND SCHOLARSHIPS........................................................................................................28ASTRONOMY CLUB...................................................................................................................................29COMPUTING FACILITIES............................................................................................................................29CAREER-RELATED EXPERIENCE AND STUDY ABROAD OPPORTUNITIES....................................................29GRE EXAMS.............................................................................................................................................. 30

Program Checklists.............................................................................................................32Recommended Academic Plan for Astronomy & Astrophysics - Graduate Studies Option........................32Recommended Academic Plan for Astronomy & Astrophysics - Computer Science Option......................34B.S. Degree, Graduate Study Option........................................................................................................28B.S. Degree, Computer Science Option....................................................................................................31Recommended Academic Plan for Planetary Science and Astronomy......................................................35B.S. Degree.............................................................................................................................................. 37Astronomy & Astrophysics Minor Checklist..............................................................................................42Astrobiology Minor Checklist....................................................................................................................43Planetary Science and Astronomy Minor Checklist...................................................................................44

Map....................................................................................................................................45

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The Astronomy & Astrophysics Major The Bachelor of Science degree in Astronomy & Astrophysics consists of two options:

Graduate Study (with increased work in math and physics) Computer Science (with emphasis on computer studies)

During the first two years, Astronomy & Astrophysics (ASTRO) majors begin to take core courses in astronomy, physics, mathematics, chemistry, and computer science. They also begin to fulfill the University’s general education requirements, which cover courses in communication, arts, humanities, social and behavioral sciences, health and physical activity, basic mathematics, and natural sciences. At the end of the sophomore year, Astronomy & Astrophysics majors choose one of the two options for the major. The core courses for both options are in astronomy, physics, mathematics, and computer science. A minimum of 124 credits is required for this degree.

MILESTONES FOR THE ASTRONOMY & ASTROPHYSICS MAJOR Admission and the First YearThe University Admissions Office assigns students into their baccalaureate degree programs. Applicants who plan to become an ASTRO major should indicate their intention on the application form. High school records and SAT scores must be above the basic criteria set by the admissions office in order for a student to be admitted to the Eberly College of Science. Students who enter the College of Science are designated as SCIEN majors. If you expressed an interest in the ASTRO major then you will be considered as an ASTRO premajor and you will be assigned an advisor in the Astronomy & Astrophysics department. Students are encouraged to contact or visit their advisors during the first week of the Fall semester of their Freshman year to discuss their academic program. They should meet with their advisors at least once per semester to discuss their academic program.The first year's academic program is generally devoted to basic, but very challenging, courses in calculus, chemistry and physics. Prospective majors (premajors) are also required to take a First Year Seminar. The program is usually rounded out with a selection from General Education courses.

Move to University Park CampusMany Penn State students take their first-year courses at one of the locations throughout the Commonwealth. It is crucial that students intending to major in ASTRO request an early change of assignment (COA) at the end of the first year so that they can attend University Park campus for the second year of study, since most commonwealth campuses do not offer ASTRO 291 or 292. First year seminars taken at other campuses or departments are transferable, though some students may choose to take a second seminar, since they will find the astronomy and career information contained in ASTRO 020S quite useful.

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The Second Year and Entry into the MajorSecond-year students receive a thorough exposure to astronomy with the ASTRO 291 and 292 sequence. Other courses include more advanced mathematics and physics, plus an introduction to computer programming using the language C. In a typical program, the student requests entry into the ASTRO major, from his/her initial SCIEN major, in the spring semester of the second year. Entry into the major requires:

A GPA of at least 2.00 in all courses. Earned a grade C or better in each of the following courses: ASTRO 291, CHEM

110, MATH 140, MATH 141, PHYS 211, and PHYS 212.

The GPA for department requirements is based on the best, not average, of repeated courses. Your official GPA as computed by the University Registrar includes all grades, including repeated courses. Entry for students with non-standard programs (e.g., transfers from other departments or colleges) will be decided by the Assistant Department Head for Undergraduate Studies.

On eLion, each student may identify up to three major preferences in priority order. Students will receive an e-mail from the Registrar's office instructing them to confirm their major and campus preferences by the fourth semester deadline. Students are notified by e-mail that they’ve been accepted, accepted conditionally, or denied entrance to the desired major.

The Third and Fourth YearsThe student now proceeds into advanced courses, concentrating in ASTRO and one of the allied fields (MATH & PHYS for the Graduate Study option or CMPSC & CMPEN for the Computer Science option). In the first semester of the third year, students should take the ASTRO 320 lab. Each student must take at least four, 400-level ASTRO courses from among the six to eight offered during the third and fourth years. Each student must fulfill the University’s General Education Writing Across the Curriculum requirement. We recommend either ASTRO 420W or ASTRO 475W courses to fulfill that requirement; however another “W” course in the college (e.g., 3 credits for Phys 457W) will be accepted. A degree audit report indicating the student's progress toward graduation is available through eLion.

Substitutions of Science 495 (Co-op work experience) for any required courses should be discussed in advance with your advisor and the Assistant Department Head for Undergraduate Education.

GraduationGraduation usually occurs after eight semesters, although some Penn State students require nine to ten semesters to complete their chosen programs. Two semesters before intended graduation, the student and advisor should carefully review the major checklist to make sure that all requirements will be fulfilled. Deviations from requirements for the major are possible; the student and advisor should submit a petition to the Assistant Department Head for Undergraduate Education and the Dean of the college before the course is taken. Requests to waive a requirement are rarely accepted, though reasonable requests for substitution are possible. For example, an advanced course in

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engineering or earth sciences, or industry Co-op credits, might be substituted for an unspecified PHYS 400-level course. Substitutions for specified courses (such as PHYS 400) or any ASTRO course are rarely accepted. Note that ASTRO 497 offerings (courses offered by the Department of Astronomy & Astrophysics, but not yet catalogued in the Bulletin) fulfill the ASTRO 400-level requirement without petition, while ASTRO 496 credits (independent study) cannot fulfill the ASTRO 400-level requirement. ASTRO 496 will be accepted as a supporting course.Grade requirements for graduation are:

A cumulative GPA of at least 2.00 A grade of C or better in each the following courses: CHEM 110, MATH 140, MATH

141, PHYS 211, PHYS 212, ASTRO 291, ASTRO 292, and 12 credits of 400-level ASTRO courses.

At the beginning of their final semester, students must indicate their intent to graduate on eLion.

Minor in Physics:ASTRO majors who complete the Graduate Study Option automatically qualify for a minor in Physics if they have a grade of C or better in all courses in that minor. The prescribed courses for the Physics minor are: PHYS 211, PHYS 212, PHYS 213, PHYS 214, PHYS 237, PHYS 400, PHYS 410, and PHYS 419. Students must go to the Physics Department, 104 Davey Lab to complete the application form since minors are not conferred automatically.

Instructional 1 Certificate for Teaching:The ASTRO major also satisfies the majority of requirements for the Instructional 1 certificate for teaching physics and mathematics and/or earth and space sciences in Pennsylvania if additional credits are earned in science education courses offered by the College of Education.

The Planetary Science and Astronomy Major The Bachelor of Science degree in Planetary Science and Astronomy has significant overlap with the ASTRO major, but the first two years also include more foundational coursework at the 0XX and 1XX level in biology, geosciences, and astronomy. Beginning in the sophomore year, students begin to select from a long list of courses in a wider variety of disciplines, and this flexibility is provided to allow students to develop skills that may lead to employment in industry, formal education, or informal education. A minimum of 122 credits is required for this degree.

MILESTONES FOR THE PLANETARY SCIENCE AND MAJOR Admission and the First YearMuch of the advice above for the ASTRO major also pertains to the PASTR major, so in the following sections we will only highlight the differences between the two majors.

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Students who enter the College of Science are designated as SCIEN majors. If you expressed an interest in the PASTR major then you will be considered as a PASTR premajor and you will be assigned an advisor in the Astronomy & Astrophysics department. We expect that during the first year students may remain undecided about ASTRO or PASTR, but no final decision is necessary at this time. However, discussing the two programs in detail with an advisor is recommended for all those students who may wish to switch from their initial choice.

The first year's academic program includes the same First Year Seminar, math, and chemistry courses as the ASTRO major, but is rounded out with foundational courses in astronomy and geoscience.

Move to University Park CampusBecause Astro 291 and 292 are optional in this major, students at commonwealth campuses do not need to request an early change of assignment, as recommended for ASTRO majors.

The Second Year and Entry to MajorIn the second year, students in the PASTR major can take the same astronomy course sequence as ASTRO majors, but we expect many students in this program will choose instead to take some of the prerequisites for later astrobiology courses as well as additional geoscience/earth science coursework. In a typical program, the student requests entry into the PASTR major, from his/her initial SCIEN major, in the spring semester of the second year.

Entry into the major requires: A GPA of at least 2.00 in all courses. Earned a grade of C or better in MATH 140 Earned a grade of C or better in at least four of the following courses: ASTRO 120,

ASTRO 130, ASTRO 140, Bio 110, Chem 110, Earth 002, Geosci 001, Geosci 020, or STAT 200

The Third and Fourth YearsDuring the third year, students will take the two required 400-level courses ASTRO 401 and 402. The Astrobiology course, GEOSC/BIOL 474 is also a requirement during the final two years. The major includes 20-23 credits of advanced electives and supporting courses, most of which will be taken during these years, too. The list of approved courses that fulfill these requirements is very large, so the student should consult extensively with their advisor to create a coherent plan to complete these requirements. There are several Writing Across the Curriculum W courses that are on the list of advanced electives, but students in the PASTR major may or may not satisfy the prerequisites for all of them. So careful attention to the prerequisites is necessary so that a W course of interest fits in the academic plan for the last two years.

GraduationDeviations from requirements for the PASTR major are possible, too; the student and advisor should submit a petition to the Assistant Department Head for Undergraduate Education and the Dean of the college before the course is taken. Requests to waive a

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requirement are rarely accepted, though reasonable requests for substitution are possible. Because many of the ASTRO 4XX level courses are on the list of advanced electives, students with the necessary prerequisites who take ASTRO 4XX level courses can choose to substitute those for some of the lower level courses (e.g., ASTRO 420W could substitute for ASTRO 140).

The Astronomy & Astrophysics Minor To complete the Astronomy & Astrophysics minor, students are required to have a total of 18-19 credits from courses taken in Astronomy & Astrophysics, Physics, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and/or Meteorology.

Minor requirements: ASTRO 291 and ASTRO 292 6 credits from 400-level ASTRO courses, except ASTRO 496 6-7 credits from additional ASTRO 400-level courses, AERSP 308, AERSP 312,

E E 492, GEOSC 474, METEO 466, or PHYS 458 A grade of C or better is required for all courses in the minor.

The Planetary Science and Astronomy Minor The Planetary Science and Astronomy minor requires a total of 19 credits, including 6 credits at the 400 level. All of the required courses are ASTRO, although the higher level courses do have a few prerequisites that need to be taken, in addition.

3 credits from ASTRO 001, 005, 006, 010+011, or 291 (Prereq: PHYS 211) 9 credits from ASTRO 120 (Prereq: ASTRO 001, 006, or 010), 130 (Prereq: ASTRO

001 or 010), 140 (Prereq: ASTRO 001, 005, or 010), or 292 (Prereq: ASTRO 291) ASTRO 401 (Prereq: ASTRO 001, 005, 006, or 010 and MATH 140), and 402

(Prereq: ASTRO 001, 005, 006, 010+011, or 291 and MATH 140) A grade of C or better is required for all courses in the minor.

The Astrobiology Minor The Astrobiology minor requires a total of 18 credits, with at least 6 credits at the 400 level. Several of the required courses have prerequisites, so students should work with advisers when planning to complete the Astrobiology Minor.

BIOL/GEOSC 474 (Prereq: BIOL 110, CHEM 110) 9-10 credits from EARTH 002 or GEOSC 021, ASTRO 140 (Prereq: ASTRO 001, 005

& 006, or 010) or ASTRO 291 (Prereq: PHYS 211), GEOSC 204 (Prereq: BIOL 110, GEOSC 001 or 020), or BIOL 427 (Prereq: BIOL 220W & 230W)

5-6 credits from ASTRO 420W (Prereq: ASTRO 292), ASTRO 475W (Prereq: ASTRO 292), BIOL 405 (Prereq: BIOL 222 or 230W), BMB 401 (Prereq: CHEM 212, BMB 251 or BIOL 230), BMB 402 (Prereq: BMB 401 or CHEM 476), GEOSC 416 (Prereq: CHEM 110, 112, 111, & 113, GEOSC 001 or 020), GEOSC 419 (Prereq: CHEM 110 & 112), METEO 466 (Prereq: MATH 141, PHYS 211), or MICRB 201 (Prereq: CHEM 110)

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A grade of C or better is required for all courses in the minor.

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Undergraduate Courses in Astronomy & Astrophysics For the complete course listings and official descriptions, consult the current Penn State Baccalaureate Programs Bulletin. General education courses that satisfy the natural sciences requirement are marked with “GN” designations.

ASTRO 120, 130 and 140 are courses on various aspects of astronomy intended for the non-major who has taken ASTRO 001, 005, 006, or 010. Majors are welcome to take any of these courses as electives, even in the first year.

ASTRO 001 (GN) ASTRONOMICAL UNIVERSE - 3 credits The development of modern understanding of the astronomical universe from planets and stars to galaxies and cosmology.  Students who have passed ASTRO 005, ASTRO 006, or ASTRO 010 may not take this course for credit.

ASTRO 005 (GN) The Sky and Planets - 3 credits The development of our modern understanding of the visible sky and planetary systems. Students who have passed ASTRO 001 or ASTRO 010 may not take this course for credit.

ASTRO 006 (GN) Stars, Galaxies, and the Universe - 3 credits The development of our modern understanding of stars, galaxies, and the astronomical universe. Students who have passed ASTRO 001 or ASTRO 010 may not take this course for credit.

ASTRO 010 (GN) ELEMENTARY ASTRONOMY - 2 creditsIntroductory survey of modern astronomy from planets and stars to galaxies and the universe.  Students who have passed ASTRO 001 may not take this course.  Students may not receive General Education credit for ASTRO 010 unless they also take ASTRO 011.

ASTRO 011 (GN) ELEMENTARY ASTRONOMY LABORATORY - 1 credit Selected experiments and explorations to illustrate major astronomical principles and techniques.  Telescopes observations of planets, stars and nebulae.  Prerequisite or concurrent:  ASTRO 001 or ASTRO 010

ASTRO 020S FIRST-YEAR ASTRONOMY SEMINAR - 2 credits Introduction to the study of modern astronomy through discussions, problem solving, activities, and writing.

ASTRO 097 SPECIAL TOPICS (1 - 9 credits)

ASTRO 120 (GN) THE BIG BANG UNIVERSE - 3 credits Exploration of cosmology, birth, and ultimate fate of the universe; origin of galaxies, quasars, and dark matter.  For non-science majors.  Prerequisite: ASTRO 001, ASTRO 006, or ASTRO 010

ASTRO 130 (GN) BLACK HOLES IN THE UNIVERSE - 3 credits

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The predicted properties of black holes and the astronomical evidence for their existence are investigated in the context of modern ideas about space, time, and gravity.  Prerequisite:  ASTRO 001, ASTRO 006, or ASTRO 010

ASTRO 140 (GN) LIFE IN THE UNIVERSE - 3 credits The problem of the existence of life beyond Earth is investigated, drawing from recent research in astronomy and other fields. For non-science majors. Prerequisite:  ASTRO 001, ASTRO 005, or ASTRO 010

ASTRO 199 (IL) FOREIGN STUDIES (1 -12 credits)

ASTRO 291 (GN) ASTRONOMICAL METHODS AND THE SOLAR SYSTEM - 3 credits Physical processes and observational techniques in astronomical systems, characteristics of the sun, planets, and moons.  Prerequisite:  PHYS 211 We recommend that all ASTRO pre-majors take this class at University Park.

ASTRO 292 (GN) ASTRONOMY OF THE DISTANT UNIVERSE - 3 credits Observed properties and astrophysical understanding of stars, stellar evolution, galaxies, the large-scale universe, and cosmology.  Prerequisite:  ASTRO 291

ASTRO 296 INDEPENDENT STUDIES (1 -18 credits)

ASTRO 297 SPECIAL TOPICS (1 - 9 credits)

ASTRO 320 (GN) OBSERVATIONAL ASTRONOMY LABORATORY - 2 credits Basic observational astronomy techniques introduced through observational exercises, lab experiments, and lectures on relevant statistical techniques. Prerequisite:  ASTRO 292

ASTRO 399 (IL) FOREIGN STUDIES (1 -12 credits)

ASTRO 401 FUNDAMENTALS OF PLANETARY SCIENCE AND ASTRONOMY – 4 creditsOverview of the techniques used and results from studies of the Solar System, stars, and galaxies. Prerequisite: ASTRO 001, 005, 006, or 010 and MATH 140

ASTRO 402 ASTRONOMICAL TELESCOPES, TECHNIQUES, AND DATA ANALYSIS – 3 creditsProperties and use of optical telescopes, imaging and spectroscopy, multi-wavelength techniques, data analysis and statistics, practical research methods.  Prerequisite: ASTRO 001, 005, 006, or 010+011 and MATH 140

ASTRO 410 COMPUTATIONAL ASTROPHYSICS - 3 credits Applications of numerical methods and computer programming to astrophysics, including stellar physics and cosmology.  Prerequisite:  CMPSC 121 or CMPSC 201 or CMPSC 202; PHYS 212, PHYS 213, and PHYS 214

ASTRO 414  STELLAR STRUCTURE AND EVOLUTION - 3 creditsTheory of stellar structure and evolution including energy generation and transport and an examination of stellar models.  Prerequisite: ASTRO 292, MATH 230, PHYS 212, PHYS 213, PHYS 214, PHYS 237

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ASTRO 420W PLANETS AND PLANETARY SYSTEM FORMATION - 3 creditsSolar system properties, star formation, protoplanetary disks and planet formation, solar system model, extrasolar planets, and astrobiology.  Prerequisite: ASTRO 292

ASTRO 440 INTRODUCTION TO ASTROPHYSICS - 3 credits Theoretical investigation of physical processes in astronomical objects and systems; modern physical interpretation of astronomical phenomena.  Prerequisite:  MATH 230, PHYS 237

ASTRO 451 ASTRONOMICAL TECHNIQUES - 3 credits Practical methods of modern observational astronomy, detectors, filters, instrumentation for both ground-based and space observations, and data analysis.  Prerequisite:  PHYS 212, PHYS 213, PHYS 214

ASTRO 475W STARS AND GALAXIES - 3 credits Astronomical studies concerning the distribution and evolution of stars and gas in our and other galaxies.  Prerequisite:  ASTRO 292

ASTRO 480 NEBULAE, GALAXIES, AND COSMOLOGY - 3 credits Emission-line spectroscopy, structure and evolution of galaxies, physics of galactic nuclei and quasars, observational cosmology.  Prerequisite:  ASTRO 292, PHYS 212, PHYS 213, PHYS 214

ASTRO 485 INTRODUCTION TO HIGH-ENERGY ASTRONOMY - 3 credits The study of black holes, neutron stars, white dwarfs, supernova remnants, and extragalactic objects through x-ray and gamma ray observations.  Prerequisite:  PHYS 237

ASTRO 496 INDEPENDENT STUDIES (1 -18 credits)Creative projects, including research and design, which are supervised on an individual basis andwhich fall outside the scope of formal courses.

ASTRO 497 SPECIAL TOPICS (1 - 9 credits)Formal courses given infrequently to explore, in depth, a comparatively narrow subject which may be topical or of special interest.

ASTRO 499 (IL) FOREIGN STUDIES (1 -12 credits)Courses offered in foreign countries by individual or group instruction.

Independent Study: 3 credit hours maximum per semester. For each credit of independent study taken during the regular Fall and Spring semesters, the student is expected to contribute at least 3 hours of in-lab work per week. For a student to register for ASTRO 296 or ASTRO 496 for more than 3 credits, an explicit plan needs to be created and approved by your adviser and the Undergraduate Program Head.

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Other Undergraduate Courses for the Astronomy & Astrophysics Major

CHEM 110 (GN) CHEMICAL PRINCIPLES I (3) Prerequisite: satisfactory performance on the Chemistry and Math FTCAP tests, i.e., placement beyond the level of CHEM 101 and MATH 022; or CHEM 101, and MATH 022 or MATH 041

CHEM 111 (GN) EXPERIMENTAL CHEMISTRY I (1) Prerequisite: or concurrent: CHEM 110 or CHEM 106

CHEM 112 (GN) CHEMICAL PRINCIPLES II (3) Prerequisite: CHEM 110 or CHEM 106. Prerequisite or concurrent: CHEM 111

CMPEN 271 INTRODUCTION TO DIGITAL SYSTEMS (3) Concurrent: PHYS 202 or PHYS 212

CMPEN 331 COMPUTER ORGANIZATION AND DESIGN (3) Prerequisite: CMPEN 271; CMPSC 121 or CMPSC 201

CMPEN 431 INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER ARCHITECTURE (3) Prerequisite: CMPEN 331 or CMPEN 371

CMPEN 454 FUNDAMENTALS OF COMPUTER VISION (3) Prerequisite: MATH 230 or MATH 231; CMPSC 121 or CMPSC 201

CMPEN 471 LOGICAL DESIGN OF DIGITAL SYSTEMS (3) Prerequisite: CMPEN 331

CMPEN 473 OPERATING SYSTEMS DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION (3) Prerequisite: CMPEN 472

CMPSC 121 (GQ) INTRODUCTION TO PROGRAMMING TECHNIQUES (3) Prerequisite: MATH 110 or prerequisite or concurrent MATH 140

CMPSC 122 INTERMEDIATE PROGRAMMING (3) Prerequisite: CMPSC 121

CMPSC 201 (GQ) PROGRAMMING FOR ENGINEERS WITH C++ (3) Prerequisite: MATH 140 Concurrent: MATH 141

CMPSC 202 (GQ) PROGRAMMING FOR ENGINEERS WITH FORTRAN (3) Prerequisite: MATH 140 Concurrent: MATH 141

CMPSC 221 OBJECT ORIENTED PROGRAMMING WITH WEB-BASED APPLICATIONS (3) Prerequisite: CMPSC 122

CMPSC 360 DISCRETE MATHEMATICS FOR COMPUTER SCIENCE (3) Concurrent: CMPSC 122

CMPSC 431W DATABASE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS (3) Prerequisite: CMPSC 221; ENGL 202C

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CMPSC 442 ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE I (3) Prerequisite: CMPSC 122; Concurrent: CMPSC 465

CMPSC 451/MATH 451 NUMERICAL COMPUTATIONS (3) Prerequisite: MATH 230 or MATH 231; and 3 credits of programming

CMPSC 455/MATH 455 INTRODUCTION TO NUMERICAL ANALYSIS I (3) Prerequisite: MATH 220; MATH 230 or MATH 231; and 3 credits of programming

CMPSC 458 FUNDAMENTALS OF COMPUTER GRAPHICS (3) Prerequisite: CMPSC 311; MATH 220; MATH 230 or MATH 231

CMPSC 461 PROGRAMMING LANGUAGE CONCEPTS (3) Prerequisite: CMPSC 221; CMPSC 360

CMPSC 465 DATA STRUCTURES & ALGORITHMS (3) Prerequisite: CMPSC 360 or MATH 311W

CMPSC 466 COMBINATORICS AND GRAPH THEORY (3) Prerequisite: CMPSC 465

CMPSC 467 FACTORIZATION & PRIMALITY TESTING (3) Prerequisite: CMPSC 360 or MATH 311W

CMPSC 468 THEORY OF AUTOMATA, LANGUAGES, & COMPUTABILITY (3) Prerequisite: CMPSC 122; MATH 315, MATH 311W or CMPSC 360

CMPSC 471 INTRODUCTION TO COMPILER CONSTRUCTION (3) Prerequisite: CMPSC 461

CMPSC 483W SOFTWARE DESIGN METHODS (3) Prerequisite: CMPSC 221; CMPSC 465; ENGL 202C

EE 490/AERSP 490/NUC E 490 INTRODUCTION TO PLASMAS (3) Prerequisite: E E 330 or PHYS 467

MATH 140 (GQ) CALCULUS WITH ANALYTIC GEOMETRY I (4) Prerequisite: MATH 022, MATH 026; or MATH 040 or MATH 041 or satisfactory performance on the mathematics proficiency examination

MATH 141 (GQ) CALCULUS WITH ANALYTIC GEOMETRY II (4) Prerequisite: MATH 140, MATH 140A, MATH 140B, or MATH 140H

MATH 230 CALCULUS AND VECTOR ANALYSIS (4) Prerequisite: MATH 141 or MATH 141H

MATH 251 ORDINARY AND PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS (4) Prerequisite: MATH 141 or MATH 141H

MATH 318/STAT 318 ELEMENTARY PROBABILITY (3) Prerequisite: MATH 141

MATH 405 ADVANCED CALCULUS FOR ENGINEERS AND SCIENTISTS I (3) Prerequisite: MATH 231; MATH 250 or MATH 251

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MATH 406 ADVANCED CALCULUS FOR ENGINEERS AND SCIENTISTS II (3) Prerequisite: MATH 405

MATH 411 ORDINARY DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS (3) Prerequisite: MATH 230 or 231; MATH 250 or 251

MATH 412 FOURIER SERIES AND PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS (3) Prerequisite: MATH 230 or 231; MATH 250 or 251

MATH 417 QUALITATIVE THEORY OF DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS (3) Prerequisite: MATH 220, MATH 250

MATH 418/STAT 418 PROBABILITY (3) Students may take only one course from MATH(STAT) 414 and 418 for credit. Prerequisite: MATH 230 or 231

MATH 461/PHYS 461 THEORETICAL MECHANICS (3) Prerequisite: MATH 419

PHYS 211 (GN) GENERAL PHYSICS: MECHANICS (4) Concurrent: MATH 140

PHYS 212 (GN) GENERAL PHYSICS: ELECTRICITY AND MAGNETISM (4) Prerequisite: MATH 140, PHYS 211; Concurrent: MATH 141

PHYS 213 (GN) GENERAL PHYSICS: FLUIDS AND THERMAL PHYSICS (2) Prerequisite: MATH 140, PHYS 211; Concurrent: MATH 141

PHYS 214 (GN) GENERAL PHYSICS: WAVE MOTION AND QUANTUM PHYSICS (2) Prerequisite: MATH 141, PHYS 211, and PHYS 212

PHYS 237 MODERN PHYSICS (3) Prerequisite: PHYS 212; Concurrent: PHYS 214

PHYS 400 INTERMEDIATE ELECTRICITY AND MAGNETISM I (3) Prerequisite: MATH 230 or 231; MATH 250 or 251; PHYS 212, PHYS 213, and PHYS 214; Concurrent: MATH 230 or 231

PHYS 401 INTERMEDIATE ELECTRICITY AND MAGNETISM II (3) Prerequisite: PHYS 400

PHYS 402 ELECTRONICS FOR SCIENTISTS (4) Prerequisite: MATH 250 or 251; PHYS 212, PHYS 213, and PHYS 214

PHYS 406 SUBATOMIC PHYSICS (3) Prerequisite: PHYS 410

PHYS 410 INTRODUCTION TO QUANTUM MECHANICS I (3-4) Prerequisite: MATH 230 or 231; MATH 250 or 251; PHYS 237

PHYS 411 INTRODUCTION TO QUANTUM MECHANICS II (3) Prerequisite: PHYS 410

PHYS 419/MATH 419 THEORETICAL MECHANICS (3) Prerequisite: MATH 230 or 231; MATH 250 or 251; PHYS 212, PHYS 213, and PHYS 214

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PHYS 420 THERMAL PHYSICS (3) Prerequisite: MATH 231, PHYS 237

PHYS 457 EXPERIMENTAL PHYSICS (1-3) Prerequisite: PHYS 212, PHYS 213, PHYS 214, and PHYS 237

PHYS 458 INTERMEDIATE OPTICS (4) Prerequisite: PHYS 212, PHYS 213, PHYS 214; MATH 230 or 231; MATH 250 or 251

PHYS 461/MATH 461 THEORETICAL MECHANICS (3) Prerequisite: MATH 419

PHYS 479/MATH 479 Special and General Relativity (3) Prerequisite: PHYS 237, PHYS 400, PHYS 419; MATH 230 or 231; MATH 250 or 251

STAT 301 (GQ) STATISTICAL ANALYSIS I (3) Prerequisite: 3 credits of calculus

STAT 318/MATH 318 ELEMENTARY PROBABILITY (3) Prerequisite: MATH 141

STAT 319/MATH 319 APPLIED STATISTICS IN SCIENCE (3) Prerequisite: STAT 318 or knowledge of basic probability

STAT 401 EXPERIMENTAL METHODS (3) Prerequisite: MATH 111 or MATH 141

STAT 414/MATH 414 INTRODUCTION TO PROBABILITY THEORY (3). Prerequisite: MATH 230 or 231

STAT 418/MATH 418 PROBABILITY (3). Prerequisite: MATH 230 or 231

Students may take only one course from STAT/MATH 414 and 418 for credit.

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ASTRO MAJOR - COMPUTER SCIENCE OPTION

All CS-option students have to take:

CMPSC 121 Introduction to Programming TechniquesCMPSC 122 Intermediate ProgrammingCMPSC 221 Object-Oriented Programming with Web ApplicationsCMPSC 451 Numerical Computations

The CS-option has two sequences: (a) software emphasis and (b) hardware emphasis.

Software courses Hardware coursesRequired RequiredCMPSC 360 Discrete Mathematics for Computer Science

CMPEN 271 Introduction to Digital Systems

CMPSC 465 Data Structures and Algorithms

CMPEN 331 Computer Organization and Design

Choose 3 credits from Choose 3 credits fromCMPSC 431W Introduction to Database ManagementSystems

CMPEN 417 Digital Design Using Field Programmable Devices

CMPSC 442 Artificial Intelligence CMPEN 431 Introduction to Computer Architecture

CMPSC 450 Concurrent Scientific Computing

CMPEN 454 Fundamentals of Computer Vision

CMPEN 454 Fundamentals of Computer Vision

CMPEN 471 Logical Design of Digital Systems

CMPSC 458* Computer Graphics CMPEN 472 Microprocessors and Embedded Systems

CMPSC 467 Factorization and Primality TestingCMPSC 468 Theory of Automata, Language & ComputabilityCMPSC 483W* Software Design Methods * - high enrollments

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Other Undergraduate Courses for the Planetary Science and Astronomy Major

This list only includes those courses that are not included in the Astronomy & Astrophysics list above.

BIOL 110 (GN) BIOLOGY: BASIC CONCEPTS AND BIODIVERSITY (4)

BIOL 220W (GN) BIOLOGY: POPULATIONS AND COMMUNITIES (3) Prerequisite: BIOL 110

BIOL 230W (GN) BIOLOGY: MOLECULES AND CELLS (3) Prerequisite: BIOL 110; CHEM 110

BIOL 405 MOLECULAR EVOLUTION (3) Prerequisite: BIOL 222 or 230W

BIOL 427 EVOLUTION (3) Prerequisite: BIOL 220W, 230W

BIOL/GEOSC 474 ASTROBIOLOGY (3) Prerequisite: BIOL 110, CHEM 110

BMB 401 GENERAL BIOCHEMISTRY (3) Prerequisite: CHEM 212; BMB 251 or BIOL 230W

BMB 402 GENERAL BIOCHEMISTRY (3) Prerequisite: BMB 401 or CHEM 476

CHEM 113 (GN) EXPERIMENTAL CHEMISTRY II (1) Prerequisite: CHEM 111 prerequisite or concurrent: CHEM 112

CMPSC 101 (GQ) INTRODUCTION TO C++ PROGRAMMING (3) Prerequisite: 2 entrance units in mathematics

CMPSC 203 (GQ) INTRODUCTION TO SPREADSHEETS AND DATABASES (4) Prerequisite: 2 entrance units in mathematics

EARTH 002 (GN) THE EARTH SYSTEM AND GLOBAL CHANGE (3)

EARTH 100 (GN) ENVIRONMENT EARTH (3)

EARTH 103 (GN) EARTH IN THE FUTURE: PREDICTING CLIMATE CHANGE AND ITS IMPACTS OVER THE NEXT CENTURY (3)

EARTH 106 (GN) THE AFRICAN CONTINENT: EARTHQUAKES, TECTONICS, AND GEOLOGY (3)

EARTH 150 (GN) DINOSAUR EXTINCTIONS AND OTHER CONTROVERSIES (3)

EARTH 202 (GN) MODELING THE EARTH SYSTEM (3) Prerequisite: MATH 083, 110, or 140; CHEM 110

GEOG 160 (GS) MAPPING OUR CHANGING WORLD (3)

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GEOG 362 IMAGE ANALYSIS (3) Prerequisite: GEOG 160

GEOG 363 GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS (3) Prerequisite: GEOG 160

GEOG 364 SPATIAL ANALYSIS (3) Prerequisite: STAT 200; 6 credits in social science

GEOSC 001 PHYSICAL GEOLOGY (3)

GEOSC 020 (GN) PLANET EARTH (3)

GEOSC 201 EARTH MATERIALS (4) Prerequisite: CHEM 110; 3rd semester standing Prerequisite or concurrent: GEOSC 001 or 020

GEOSC 202 CHEMICAL PROCESSES IN GEOLOGY (4) Prerequisite: GEOSC 001; MATH 140; 3rd semester standing Prerequisite or concurrent: CHEM 113

GEOSC 203 PHYSICAL PROCESSES IN GEOLOGY (4) Prerequisite: GEOSC 001 or permission of program; 3rd semester standing Prerequisite or concurrent: PHYS 211; MATH 140

GEOSC 204 GEOBIOLOGY (4) Prerequisite: BIOL 110; GEOSC 001 or 020

GEOSC 310 EARTH HISTORY (4) Prerequisite: GEOSC 201

GEOSC 320 GEOLOGY OF CLIMATE CHANGE (3)

GEOSC 340 GEOMORPHOLOGY (3) Prerequisite: GEOSC 001; 5TH semester standing

GEOSC 402Y (IL) NATURAL DISASTERS (3) Prerequisite: 4th semester standing

GEOSC 416 STABLE AND RADIOACTIVE ISOTOPES IN GEOSCIENCES; INTRODUCTION (3) Prerequisite: CHEM 110, 111, 112, 113; GEOSC 001 or 020

GEOSC 419 THE ORGANIC GEOCHEMISTRY OF NATURAL WATERS AND SEDIMENTS (3) Prerequisite: CHEM 110, 112

GEOSC 422 VERTEBRATE PALEONTOLOGY (3) Prerequisite: GEOSC 001; BIOL 110

GEOSC 424 PALEONTOLOGY AND FOSSILS (3) Prerequisite: GEOSC 001 or 020

GEOSC 434 VOLCANOLOGY (3) Prerequisite: GEOSC 201

GEOSC 440 MARINE GEOLOGY (3) Prerequisite: 4th semester standing

GEOSC 454 GEOLOGY OF OIL AND GAS (3) Prerequisite: GEOSC 001

GEOSC 489 DYNAMICS OF THE EARTH (4) Prerequisite: GEOSC 203, 310; PHYS 211

METEO 101 (GN) UNDERSTANDING WEATHER FORECASTING (3)

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METEO 201 INTRODUCTION TO WEATHER ANALYSIS (3)

METEO 466 PLANETARY ATMOSPHERES (3) Prerequisite: MATH 141; PHYS 211

MICRB 201 INTRODUCTORY MICROBIOLOGY (3) Prerequisite: CHEM 110PSYCH 412 ADOLESCENCE (3) Prerequisite: PSYCH 100

SCI ED 411 TEACHING SECONDARY SCIENCE I (3) Prerequisite: C I 295; appropriate courses for certification option and approval of department

SCI ED 412 TEACHING SECONDARY SCIENCE II (3) Prerequisite: SCI ED 410, 411; Concurrent C I 412W

STAT 200 (GQ) ELEMENTARY STATISTICS (4) Prerequisite: 2 units in algebra

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Planned Schedule of Offerings : 2013 – 2017

10-11 11-12 12-13 13-14

ASTRO 001 Astronomical Universe X X X X X X X X ASTRO 001 Astronomical Universe X X X X X X X X

ASTRO Astronomical Universe X X X ASTRO 005 The Sky and Planets X X X X X X X X ASTRO 006 Stars, Galaxies, and the X X X X X ASTRO 010 Elementary Astronomy X X X X X X X X ASTRO 011 Elementary Astronomy X X X X X X X X

ASTRO 020S Freshman seminar X X X X ASTRO 120 The Big Bang Universe X X ASTRO 130 Black Holes in the X X ASTRO 140 Life in the Universe X X X X ASTRO 291 Astronomical Methods & X X X X ASTRO 292 Astronomy of the X X X X ASTRO 320 Observational X X X X

ASTRO 400H Honors Seminar (1 X X X ASTRO 410 Computational X X ASTRO 414 Stellar Structure and X X

ASTRO 420W Planets & Planetary X X ASTRO 440 Introduction to X X ASTRO 451 Astronomical Techniques X X

ASTRO 475W Stars & Galaxies X X ASTRO 480 Nebulae, Galaxies & X X ASTRO 485 Intro to High Energy X X ASTRO 497 Special Topics (1 – 3 X X

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ASTRO course number Topic

13-14 14-15 15-16 16-17Fall Sprin

g Fall Spring Fall Sprin

g Fall Spring

ASTRO 001 (GN) Astronomical Universe XYes YesX YesX YesX YesX YesX YesX YesXASTRO 005 (GN) The Sky and Planets YesX YesX YesX YesX YesX YesX YesX YesXASTRO 006 (GN)

Stars, Galaxies, and the Universe YesX YesX YesX YesX YesX YesX YesX YesX

ASTRO 010 (GN) Elementary Astronomy YesX YesX YesX YesX YesX YesX YesX YesXASTRO 011 (GN) Elementary Astronomy Lab YesX YesX YesX YesX YesX YesX YesX YesXASTRO 020S Freshman seminar YesX No YesX No YesX No YesX NoASTRO 120 (GN) The Big Bang Universe Yes YesX Yes YesX No YesX No YesXASTRO 130 (GN) Black Holes in the Universe No No Yes NoX No YesX No YesXASTRO 140 (GN) Life in the Universe YesX YesX YesX YesX YesX YesX YesX YesXASTRO 291 (GN)

Astronomical Methods & Solar System YesX No YesX No YesX No YesX No

ASTRO 292 (GN)

Astronomy of the Distant Universe No YesX No YesX No YesX No YesX

ASTRO 320 (GN) Observational Astronomy Lab YesX No YesX No YesX No YesX No

ASTRO 401 Fundamentals of Planetary Science and Astronomy YesX No YesX No YesX No YesX No

ASTRO 402 Astronomical Telescopes, Techniques, and Data Analysis No YesX No YesX No YesX No YesX

ASTRO 410 Computational Astrophysics No No No YesX No No No YesXASTRO 414 Stellar Structure and

Evolution No YesX No No No YesX No No

ASTRO 420W Planets & Planetary System Formation No No YesX No No No YesX No

ASTRO 440 Introduction to Astrophysics No No No YesX No No No YesXASTRO 451 Astronomical Techniques No No YesX No No No YesX NoASTRO 475W Stars & Galaxies YesX No No No YesX No No NoASTRO 480 Nebulae, Galaxies &

Cosmology No YesX No No No YesX No No

ASTRO 485 Intro to High Energy Astrophysics YesX No No No YesX No No No

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SUPPORTING COURSES (ASTRONOMY & ASTROPHYSICS)

Several unspecified elective or supporting courses make up 10 to 12 credits in the requirements for the major. Some students fill their electives with physics or computer science courses to obtain a minor or double major in these allied departments. Some take a sequence of courses in a distant field; recent graduates have taken a minor in history or violin lessons plus orchestra performance credits. Other students take a wide range of courses, giving themselves the cultural breadth they desire for later in life. The one rule that students should follow is that choice of electives (as with their entire academic program) should be discussed regularly with their advisors.

Courses not accepted by the university: CAS 126, ENGL 004, ENGL 005, ESL 004, LL ED 005, LL ED 010

Other courses that will not count: CHEM 001, 003, 108, 101

CMPSC 001, 100MATH courses lower than MATH 140

PH SC 007PHYS 001, 150, 151, 250, 251

SUPPORTING COURSES (PLANETARY SCIENCE AND ASTRONOMY)

Several unspecified elective or supporting courses make up 11 credits in the requirements for the major. Some students fill their electives with a sequence of courses in a distant field, and can often earn a minor in this other field. Other students take a wide range of courses, giving themselves the cultural breadth they desire for later in life. The one rule that students should follow is that choice of electives (as with their entire academic program) should be discussed regularly with their advisors.

Courses not accepted by the university: CAS 126, ENGL 004, ENGL 005, ESL 004, LL ED 005, LL ED 010

Other courses that will not count: BI SC 001, 002, 003, 004

CHEM 001, 003, 108, 101CMPSC 100KINES 0XXMATH courses lower than MATH 140PHYS 001, 150, 151

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Suggestions for Supporting Courses

The accompanying table provides a list of courses that the department suggests for consideration when selecting electives in the Astronomy & Astrophysics major. (For the Astronomy & Astrophysics major, r(Relevant courses in physics and computer science and engineering are listed on the major checklist rather than here.) We recommend the same courses for the Planetary Science and Astronomy major, however, some of those listed below are already required for that program. Some courses may require a prerequisite beyond those provided by the ASTRO or PASTR program. These are courses that complement the ASTRO/PASTR programs in some way. Note that up to 12 credits of electives may be earned with satisfactory/unsatisfactory (SA/US) grades, which are not included in GPA calculations.

AERSP 055 (GN) Space Science and Technology

METEO 466 Planetary Atmospheres

AERSP 310 Astronautics METEO 473 Applications of Computers to Meteorology

AERSP 490 Introduction to Plasmas METEO 474 Applications of Statistics to Meteorology

ASTRO 120 (GN) The Big Bang Universe PHIL 010 (GH) Critical Thinking and ArgumentASTRO 130 (GN) Black Holes in the Universe PHIL 107 (GH) Introduction to Philosophy of

TechnologyASTRO 140 (GN) Life in the Universe PHIL 110 (GH) Intro to Philosophy of ScienceBIOL 474 (GEOSC) Astrobiology PHIL 221 (GH) Philosophy of ScienceCHEM 451 Physical Chemistry PHIL 433 Ethics in Science and EngineeringCOMM 463 Science Journalism PHIL 435 Interrelation of Science, Philosophy,

& ReligionCI 295 Introductory Field Experience for Teacher Preparation

PL SC 460 Science, Technology and the Public Policy

EARTH 002 (GN) Gaia-The Earth System SC 400 Consequences of ScienceEE 203 Principles of Electrical Engineering SCIED 411/414 Teaching Secondary ScienceGEOG 110 (GN) Climates of the World SCIED 454 Sciences in Early Childhood

EducationHIST 122/123 (GH) History of Science STAT 319 Applied Statistics in ScienceHIST 151 (GS) Technology and Society in American History

STS 100 (GH) The Ascent of Humanity

HIST 428 The Darwinian Revolution STS 101 (GH) Modern Science, Technology, & Human Values

HIST 457 (US;IL) The History of Women in Science

STS 200 (GH) Critical Issues Science, Technology, & Society

MATSE 201 Introduction to Materials Science

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AERSP 055 (GN) Space Science and TechnologyAERSP 310 AstronauticsAERSP 490 Introduction to PlasmasASTRO 120 (GN) The Big Bang UniverseASTRO 130 (GN) Black Holes in the UniverseASTRO 140 (GN) Life in the UniverseCHEM 451 Physical ChemistryCOMM 463 Science JournalismCI 295 Introductory Field Experience for Teacher PreparationEARTH 002 (GN) Gaia-The Earth SystemEE 203 Principles of Electrical EngineeringGEOG 110 (GN) Climates of the WorldHIST 122/123 (GH) History of ScienceHIST 151 (GS) Technology and Society in American History HIST 428 The Darwinian RevolutionHIST 457 (US;IL) The History of Women in Science MATSE 201 Introduction to Materials Science

METEO 466 Planetary Atmospheres METEO 473 Applications of Computers to MeteorologyMETEO 474 Applications of Statistics to MeteorologyPHIL 010 (GH) Critical Thinking and ArgumentPHIL 107 (GH) Introduction to Philosophy of TechnologyPHIL 110 (GH) Intro to Philosophy of SciencePHIL 221 (GH) Philosophy of SciencePHIL 433 Ethics in Science and EngineeringPHIL 435 Interrelation of Science, Philosophy, & ReligionPL SC 460 Science, Technology and the Public Policy. SC 400 Consequences of ScienceSCIED 411/414 Teaching Secondary ScienceSCIED 454 Sciences in Early Childhood EducationSTAT 319 Applied Statistics in ScienceSTS 100 (GH) The Ascent of HumanitySTS 101 (GH) Modern Science, Technology, & Human ValuesSTS 200 (GH) Critical Issues Science, Technology, & SocietySTS 200 (GH) Critical Issues Science, Technology &

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UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH ASTRO majors have an unusually wide range of opportunities to engage in research as undergraduates. PASTR majors have opportunities to participate, as well, if interested. However, we encourage PASTR students to consider opportunities for internships and similar experiences, which are discussed below. In research, the student can acquire skills not available in the classroom, participate in the excitement of pushing the frontiers of knowledge and technology, and earn important credentials for future jobs or education. Students typically begin research in the summer after their sophomore year, but some begin earlier. Research opportunities are many and varied in the department. Examples include:

development of equipment for and analysis of data from the 9 meter Hobby-Eberly Telescope.

analysis of images and spectra from Kitt Peak, Palomar, and Keck ground-based observatories and the Hubble Space Telescope on extragalactic astronomy. Topics can have included search for extremely distant quasars, quantification of galaxy distances and the Hubble Constantformation and evolution of galaxies, and study of dwarf galaxies and cataclysmic variable stars.

analysis of data from the NAIC Arecibo radio telescope, searching for planets and other temporal phenomena in millisecond pulsars

analysis of data from the Chandra and XMM X-ray telescopes. Penn State scientists have made extensive observations using these satellite-borne X-ray telescopes concerning quasars, young stars, supernova remnants, pulsars, and other topics.

theoretical astrophysics on many topics including: interpretation of the enigmatic gamma-ray bursts; calculations of colliding black holes in Einstein’s General Relativity; dynamics of star clusters, formation of planetary systems, and the formation of the first stars in the early universe.

Participating in planning, data analysis, follow-up observations and interpretations for the Swift Gamma Ray Burst Explorer.

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The premiere observational facilities for the Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics at Penn State are the 9 meter Hobby-Eberly Telescope, located in Fort Davis, Texas (left), the Chandra X-ray observatory located in space (middle), and the Swift Gamma Ray Burst Explorer, also located in space (right).  The Swift telescope carries three instruments to enable the most detailed observations of gamma ray bursts to date. Penn State built two of the instruments and has controlled the Missions Operations Center for Swift since its launch in December

Undergraduate research in the department can be conducted either for academic credit (usually ASTRO 496 Independent Study) or for pay (full-time during the summer or part-time during the academic year).

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Individual student initiative is crucial for involvement in research. Students are encouraged to knock on doors, chat with various faculty, or ask their academic advisor or the Head of the Undergraduate Program for advice about research projects.

ASTRO majors with particularly strong academic records can apply to more than a dozen nationally competitive summer research programs. Some are organized by national observatories (NRAO, NOAO), NASA, and DOE research centers. Other summer programs are hosted by other university departments nationwide under the auspices of the NSF Research Experience for Undergraduates Program. Applications are typically due between December and February prior to the summer. Lists and application forms are available from the undergraduate staff assistant and are posted on bulletin boards in the department.

Publications by ASTRO Undergraduates: 2005-2008

Undergraduate research projects often result in published papers. Our students are usually listed as coauthors on these publications. The student names are underlined in the following list of publications.

2014 Publications:“Self Regulated Growth of Stars and Black Holes in Galaxies via Feedback”, Sherman, Sydney; Li, Y.; Zhu, Q. “Spectroscopic Monitoring of Supermassive Black Hole Binary Candidates”, Mathes,   Gavin ; Eracleous, M.; Sigurdsson, S.; Runnoe, J. C.; Bogdanovic, T.“A Positional X-ray Instrumentation Test Stand For Beam-Line Experiments”, Nikoleyczik,   Jonathan ; Prieskorn, Z.; Burrows, D. N.; Falcone, A.

2013 Publications:“Exoplanet Orbit Database (Wright+, 2011)”, Wright, J. T.; Kakhouri, O.; Marcy, G. W.; Han,   E. ; Feng,   Y. ; Johnson, J. A.; Howard, A. W.; Fischer, D. A.; Valenti, J. A.; Anderson, J.; Piskunov, N.“New Features of the Exoplanet Orbit Database at Exoplanets.org”, Feng, Ying; Han,   E. ; Wright, J.; Fakhouri, O.; Ford, E. B.; Planet Survey, California“Updates to the Exoplanet Orbit Database and Transit&Secondary Eclipse Ephemerides”, Han,   Eunkyu ; Feng,   Y. ; Wright, J.; Zhao, M.; Wang, X.; Fakhouri, O.; Kane, S. R.; Dragomir, D.“The Astrophysical Multimessenger Observatory Network (AMON)”, Smith, M. W. E.; Fox, D. B.; Cowen, D. F.; Mészáros, P.; Tešić, G.; Fixelle,   J. ; Bartos, I.; Sommers, P.; Ashtekar, Abhay; Jogesh Babu, G.; Falcone, A. D.; Gao, Shan; Hashemi, B.; Homeier, A.; Márka, S.; Owen, B. J.; Taboada, I.“Origin of the Correlations Between Supermassive Black Holes and Their Host Galaxies”, Sherman, Sydney; Li, Y.; Zhu, Q.

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2012 Publications:“Ultraviolet Properties of Nearby Galaxies from Swift UV/Optical Telescope Imaging”, Hoversten, Erik A.; Berrier,   Joshua ; Conroy, C.; Gronwall, C. “A near-infrared frequency comb for Y+J band astronomical spectroscopy”, Osterman, Steve; Ycas, Gabriel G.; Diddams, Scott A.; Quinlan, Franklyn; Mahadevan, Suvrath; Ramsey, Lawrence; Bender, Chad F.; Terrien, Ryan; Botzer,   Brandon ; Sigurdsson, Steinn; Redman, Stephen L.“Demonstration of on-sky calibration of astronomical spectra using a 25 GHz near-IR laser frequency comb”, ; Yeas, Gabriel G.; Quinlan, Franklyn; Diddams, Scott A.; Osterman, Steve; Mahadevan, Suvrath; Redman, Stephen; Terrien, Ryan; Ramsey, Lawrence; Bender, Chad F.; Botzer,   Brandon ; Sigurdsson, Steinn“On the sensitivity of the HAWC observatory to gamma-ray bursts”, Abeysekara, A. U.; et al, including Condreay,   Phillip “A Swift X-ray Survey Of The Localization For An Icecube 22-string Candidate Source Of High-energy Neutrinos”, Conlon,   Kyle ; Fox, D.

“Pipeline for Making Images of Gas Flows in Binary Stars”, Richards, Mercedes T.; Slobounov, Elena; Conover, Marshall; Fisher,   John ; Cocking, Alexander“Cosmic Variance in the Physical Properties of Ly-alpha Emitting Galaxies at 2 < z < 3”, Gronwall, Caryl; Matkovic, A.; Ciardullo, R.; Feldmeier, J. J.; Hay,   J. ; MUSYC Collaboration“Evidence for a Compact Wolf-Rayet Progenitor for the Type Ic Supernova PTF 10vgv’, Corsi, A.; Ofek, E. O.; Gal-Yam, A.; Frail, D. A.; Poznanski, D.; Mazzali, P. A.; Kulkarni, S. R.; Kasliwal, M. M.; Arcavi, I.; Ben-Ami, S.; Cenko, S. B.; Filippenko, A. V.; Fox, D. B.; Horesh, A.; Howell,   J.   L .; Kleiser, I. K. W.; Nakar, E.; Rabinak, I.; Sari, R.; Silverman, J. M.; Xu, D.; Bloom, J. S.; Law, N. M.; Nugent, P. E.; Quimby, R. M.“Search for Relativistic Magnetic Monopoles with IceCube”, IceCube Collaboration, including Larson, Michael J.“An improved method for measuring muon energy using the truncated mean of dE/dx”, IceCube Collaboration, including Larson, Michael J.“The HD 192263 System: Planetary Orbital Period and Stellar Variability Disentangled,” Dragomir, Diana; Kane, Stephen R.; Henry, Gregory W.; Ciardi, David R.; Fischer, Debra A.; Howard, Andrew W.; Jensen, Eric L. N.; Laughlin, Gregory; Mahadevan, Suvrath; Matthews, Jaymie M.; Pilyavsky,   Genady ; von Braun, Kaspar; Wang, Sharon X.; Wright, Jason T.“The TERMS Project: Improved Orbital Parameters and Photometry of HD168443 and the Photometry Pipeline,” Pilyavsky,   Genady ; Mahadevan, S.; Kane, S. R.; Howard, A. W.; Ciardi, D. R.; de Pree, C.; Dragomir, D.; Fischer, D.; Henry, G. W.; Jensen, E. L. N.; Laughlin, G.; Marlowe, H.; Rabus, M.; von Braun, K.; Wright, J. T.; Wang, X.“Scaling Relations Between Low-mass Black Holes and Their Host Galaxies”, Zhu, Qirong; Li, Yuexing; Sherman, Sydney.

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2011 Publications:“Precision Rvs In The Nir: First On-sky Velocities With A U/ne Lamp And A Laser Frequency Comb”, Mahadevan, Suvrath; Ramsey, L.; Redman, S.; Bender, C.; Terrien, R.; Botzer,   B. ; Osterman, S.; Diddams, S.; Ycas, G.; Quinlan, F.“Laser Frequency Comb Supported Stellar Radial Velocity Determination in the NIR: Initial Results”, Osterman, Steve; Diddams, S.; Quinlan, F.; Ycas, G.; Mahadevan, S.; Ramsey, L.; Bender, C.; Terrien, R.; Botzer,   B. ; Redman, S.“First Stellar Radial Velocities with a Laser Frequency Comb: Observations in the NIR H Band”, Osterman, Steve; Diddams, S.; Quinlan, F.; Ycas, G.; Mahadevan, S.; Ramsey, L.; Bender, C.; Redman, S.; Terrien, R.; Botzer,   B. “Precision Radial Velocities in the near-infrared Y and H bands with the Penn State Pathfinder Instrument”, Terrien, Ryan; Mahadevan, S.; Ramsey, L.; Bender, C.; Redman, S.; Osterman, S.; Diddams, S.; Ycas, G.; Quinlan, F.; Botzer,   B. “A Precision Radial Velocity Pathfinder Instrument in the H Band with a Laser Frequency Comb”, Mahadevan, Suvrath; Ramsey, L.; Redman, S.; Bender, C.; Botzer,   B. ; Osterman, S.; Diddams, S.; Ycas, G.; Quinlan, F.“The Exoplanet Orbit Database”, Wright, J. T.; Fakhouri, O.; Marcy, G. W.; Han,   E.; Feng,   Y. ; Johnson, John Asher; Howard, A. W.; Fischer, D. A.; Valenti, J. A.; Anderson, J.; Piskunov, N.“IceCube sensitivity for low-energy neutrinos from nearby supernovae”, IceCube Collaboration, including Larson, Michael J.“Search for a diffuse flux of astrophysical muon neutrinos with the IceCube 40-string detector”, Abbasi, R.; Abdou, Y.; Abu-Zayyad, T.; et al, including Larson, Michael J.“The MgII Absorption View Through z<1 Galaxies”, Mathes,   Nigel ; Rodriguez-Hidalgo, P.; Charlton, J.; Rao, S.; Nestor, D.“Visible and Near-Infrared Properties of Optical Fibers Coupled to the Pathfinder High-Resolution NIR Spectrograph”, McCoy, Keegan; Ramsey, Lawrence

“A Search for the Transit of HD 168443b: Improved Orbital Parameters and Photometry”, Pilyavsky,   Genady ; Mahadevan, Suvrath; Kane, Stephen R.; Howard, Andrew W.; Ciardi, David R.; de Pree, Chris.; Dragomir, Diana; Fischer, Debra; Henry, Gregory W.; Jensen, Eric L. N.; Laughlin, Gregory; Marlowe, Hannah; Rabus, M.; von Braun, Kaspar.; Wright, Jason T.; Wang, Xuesong X.“TERMS Photometry of Known Transiting Exoplanets”, Dragomir, Diana; Kane, Stephen R.; Pilyavsky,   Genady ; Mahadevan, Suvrath; Ciardi, David R.; Gazak, J. Zachary; Celino, Dawn M.; Payne, Alan; Rabus, Markus; Ramirez, Solange V.; von Braun, Kaspar; Wright, Jason T.; Wyatt, Pamela

“The TERMS Project: Systematic Transit Exclusion”, Kane, Stephen R.; Ciardi, D.; Dragomir, D.; Fischer, D.; Henry, G.; Howard, A.; Jensen, E.; Laughlin, G.; Mahadevan, S.; Pilyavsky,   G. ; von Braun, K.; Wang, X.; Wright, J.“Stellar Variability of the Exoplanet Hosting Star HD 63454”, Kane, Stephen R.; Dragomir, Diana; Ciardi, David R.; Lee, Jae-Woo; Lo Curto, Gaspare;

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Lovis, Christophe; Naef, Dominique; Mahadevan, Suvrath; Pilyavsky,   Genady ; Udry, Stephane; Wang, Xuesong; Wright, Jason“Improved Orbital Parameters and Transit Monitoring for HD 156846b”, Kane, Stephen R.; Howard, Andrew W.; Pilyavsky,   Genady ; Mahadevan, Suvrath; Henry, Gregory W.; von Braun, Kaspar; Ciardi, David R.; Dragomir, Diana; Fischer, Debra A.; Jensen, Eric; Laughlin, Gregory; Ramirez, Solange V.; Wright, Jason T.“Improving Transit Predictions of Known Exoplanets with TERMS”, Kane, Stephen R.; Ciardi, D.; Dragomir, D.; Fischer, D.; Henry, G.; Howard, A.; Jensen, E.; Laughlin, G.; Mahadevan, S.; Pilyavsky,   G. ; von Braun, K.; Wright, J.“Transit Monitoring of Known Exoplanets with TERMS”, Kane, Stephen R.; Ciardi, D.; Fischer, D.; Gelino, D.; Henry, G.; Howard, A.; Jensen, E.; Laughlin, G.; Mahadevan, S.; Pilyavsky,   G. ; von Braun, K.; Wright, J.

2010 Publications:“GRB 090417B and its Host Galaxy: A Step Toward an Understanding of Optically Dark Gamma-ray Bursts,” Holland, Stephen T.; Sbarufatti, Boris; Shen, Rongfeng; Schady, Patricia; Cummings, Jay R.; Fonseca,   Emmanuel ; Fynbo, Johan P. U.; Jakobsson, Páll; Leitet, Elisabet; Linné, Staffan; Roming, Peter W. A.; Still, Martin; Zhang, Bing, Astrophysical Journal, 717, 1 (2010)“The Gamma-Ray Burst GRB 090417b and its Host Galaxy: A Step Towards an Understanding of Optically-Dark Gamma-Ray Bursts,” Holland, Stephen; Sbarufatti, B.; Shen, R.; Schady, P.; Cummings, J.; Fonseca,   E. ; Fynbo, J.; Jakobsson, P.; Leitet, E.; Linne, S.; Roming, P.; Still, M.; Zhang,B., Bulletin American Astronomical Society, No. 2.07 (2010)“Spectral Energy Distributions of Weak Active Galactic Nuclei Associated with Low-Ionization Nuclear Emission Regions,” Eracleous, M.; Hwang,   J.   A. ; Flohic, H. M. L. G. Astrophysical Journal Supplement Series.187.135E (2010)

“An Assessment of the Energy Budgets of Low-Ionization Nuclear Emission Regions,” Eracleous, Michael; Hwang,   Jason   A. ; Flohic, Hélène M. L. G. The Astrophysical Journal,711, 2, (2010)“Choosing the Initial LISA Orbital Configuration”, Jani,   Karan ; Finn, Lee Samuel; Benacquista, Mathew“A Bare Molecular Cloud at z ~ 0.45,” Jones,   Therese   M. ; Misawa, Toru; Charlton, Jane C.; Mshar, Andrew C.; Ferland, Gary J., Astrophysical Journal, 715, 2 (2010)“Connections of MgII Absorption Kinematics and Galaxy Properties for a Sample of DLAs and Sub-DLAs,” Mathes,   Nigel ; Rodriguez Hidalgo, P.; Charlton, J.; Jones,   T. ; Rao, S., Bulletin American Astronomical Society, No. 215.460.09 (2010)“Alpha-enhancement and Evolution of Very Strong MgII Absorbers,” Rodriguez, Paola; Wessels, K.; Charlton, J. C.; Jones,   T.   M. ; Cucchiara, A.; Mshar, A.; Narayanan, A., Bulletin American Astronomical Society, No. 215.460.02 (2010)

31

“The Observational Limits Of Ground Based Gravitational Wave Detectors: Core-collapse Supernovae,” Lang,   Meagan ; Bondarescu, R.; Finn, L.; Fisher, R.; Kopparapu, R., Bulletin American Astronomical Society, No. 215.406.08 (2010)“Gravitational-wave astronomy with Stokes Parameters,” Bondarescu, Ruxandra; Kopparapu, R.; Finn, L.; Lang,   M. ; Summerscales, T., Bulletin American Astronomical Society, No. 215.406.07 (2010)“Tidal Tails in Interacting Galaxies: Formation of Compact Stellar Structures,” Mullan, B.; Charlton, J. C.; Konstantopoulos, I. S.; Bastian, N.; Chandar, R.; Durrell, P. R.; Elmegreen, D.; English, J.; Gallagher, S. C.; Gronwall, C.; Lee, K. H.; Astronomical Society of the Pacific, 2010., p.129 (2010)“Star Formation In Hickson Compact Group 7: U-band Studies Of A Future Dry Merger,” Lee,   Kising ; Konstantopoulos, I.; Charlton, J.; Gallagher, S.; Fedotov, K.; HCG Team; Bulletin American Astronomical Society, No. 215.478.09 (2010)“A Limit on the Number of Isolated Neutron Stars Detected in the ROSAT All-Sky-Survey Bright Source Catalog,” Turner, Monica L.; Rutledge, Robert E.; Letcavage,   Ryan ; Shevchuk,   Andrew   S.   H. ; Fox, Derek B., The Astrophysical Journal, 714, 2 (2010)“Connections of MgII Absorption Kinematics and Galaxy Properties for a Sample of DLAs and Sub-DLAs”,Mathes,   Nigel ; Rodriguez Hidalgo, P.; Charlton, J.; Jones, T.; Rao, S.“The K-Band Quasar Luminosity Function from an SDSS and UKIDSS Matched Catalog,” Peth,   Michael ; Ross, N. P.; Schneider, D. P.; Bulletin American Astronomical Society, No. 215.433.20 (2010)“Measurement of sound speed vs. depth in South Pole ice for neutrino astronomy,” Icecube Collaboration; Abbasi, R.; Abdou, Y.; Abu-Zayyad, T.; Adams, J.; Aguilar, J. A.; Ahlers, M.; Andeen, K.; Auffenberg, J.; Bai, X.; Baker, M.; and 250 coauthors (including Stephens, Grant), Astroparticle Physics, Volume 33, Issue 5-6, p. 277-286. (2010)“Limits on a muon flux from Kaluza-Klein dark matter annihilations in the Sun from the IceCube 22-string detector,” Icecube Collaboration; Abbasi, R.; Abdou, Y.; Abu-Zayyad, T.; Adams, J.; Aguilar, J. A.; Ahlers, M.; Andeen, K.; Auffenberg, J.; Bai, X.; Baker, M.; and 249 coauthors (including Stephens, Grant), Physical Review D, 81, 5 (2010)“Search for Muon Neutrinos from Gamma-ray Bursts with the IceCube Neutrino Telescope,” Icecube Collaboration; Abbasi, R.; Abdou, Y.; Abu-Zayyad, T.; Adams, J.; Aguilar, J. A.; Ahlers, M.; Andeen, K.; Auffenberg, J.; Bai, X.; Baker, M.; and 249 coauthors (including Stephens, Grant), The Astrophysical Journal, 710, 1 (2010)“Luminosity Functions and Photometric Properties of Lyman-alpha Emitters at 2 < z < 3,” Wolf,   Christopher ; Sinawa,   S. ; Ciardullo, R.; Gronwall, C.; Guaita, L.; Gawiser, E.; Bond, N.; Feldmeier, J.; Padilla, N.; MUSYC Collaboration, Bulletin American Astronomical Society, No. 215.410.10 (2010)

32

“ Supernova 2009jf in NGC 7479”, Kasliwal,   M.   M.; Howell,   J.   L.; Fox,   D.   B.; Quimby,   R.; Gal-Yam,   A.

“SN2009jf in NGC7479 is a Type Ib supernova”, Kasliwal,   M.   M.; Howell,   J.   L.; Fox,   D.   B.; Quimby,   R.; Gal-

Yam,   A.2005 Publications: “Pondering the Physical Conditions of an Unusual MgII

Absorption Line System,” Jones, Therese M., Narayan, A.& Charlton, Jane C., Bulletin American Astronomical Society ,

37, 1361, No. 120.04 (2005)

“Detection of Orbital and Superhump Periods in Nova Ophiuchi 2004,” Kang, Tae W., Retter, A., Liu, A., &

Richards, M. T., Bulletin American Astronomical Society , 37,   1275,   No. 70.07 (2005)

“Nova Sagittarii 2002: An Intermediate Polar Candidate,” Richards, M. T., Kang, Tae W., Retter, A., & Liu, A.,

Bulletin American Astronomical Society , 37, 1277, No. 70.20 (2005)

“The Physical Conditions of "CIII-Only" Absorption Line Systems,” Lacki, Brian C. & Charlton, J. C., Bulletin

American Astronomical Society , 37, 1362, No. 120.08 (2005)

“Physical Properties of Weak MgII Absorbers at z~2,” Lynch, Ryan & Charlton, J. C., Bulletin American

Astronomical Society , 37, 1362, No. 120.13 (2005)

“Progress in Understanding the Nature of Weak MgII Absorbers,” Charlton, J. C., Lynch, Ryan S., Milutinović, N.,

Narayanan, A., & Rigby, J. R., Bulletin American Astronomical Society , 37, 1502 (2005)

33

“Maximizing Signal-to-Noise for ‘Dark’ Gamma-ray Burst Afterglows,” Morgan, Adam N., Roming, P. W. A. &

Nousek, J. A., Bulletin American Astronomical Society , 37, 1290, No. 75.07 (2005)

“Evolution of the Kinematics of Strong MgII Absorbers,” Mshar, Andrew, Charlton, J., Churchill, C., & Kim, T.S., Bulletin American Astronomical Society , 37, 1360, No.

120.02 (2005)

“Properties of the Shock Region in Direct Impact Algols,” Rogers, Michael L.,   &   Richards, M.T., Bulletin American

Astronomical Society , 37, 487, No. 35.06 (2005)

“The GALEX UV Properties of SDSS Selected Quasars,” Trammell, George B., Vanden Berk,   D. E. & Schneider, D. P., Bulletin American Astronomical Society , 37, 1186, No.

18.12 (2005)

“A Refined Catalogue of Phoenix Dwarf Galaxy Giant Star Candidates,” Tobolewski, Joshua, Siegel, M., Palma, C., Charlton, J., Bulletin American Astronomical Society , 37,

1346, No. 113.13 (2005)

“VICS: Stellar Populations of a Dwarf Spheroidal Galaxy in the Virgo Cluster,” Durrell, P. R. et al. (including

Vinciguerra, Matt), Bulletin American Astronomical Society , 37, 1297, No. 80.04 (2005)

“VICS: The Virgo Intra-Cluster Stars Project,” Ciardullo, R., Williams, B. F., Durrell, P. R., Vinciguerra, Matt, et al.,

Bulletin American Astronomical Society , 37, 1297, No. 80.05 (2005)

34

“VICS: Intergalactic Globular Clusters in Virgo,” Williams, B. F. et al. (including Vinciguerra, Matt), Bulletin

American Astronomical Society , 37, 1298, No. 80.06 (2005)

“The evolution of weak Mg II absorption lines,” Misawa, T., Lynch, Ryan, Narayanan, A., Milutinovic, Nikola, Kim,

T.; Charlton, J. C., Probing Galaxies through Quasar Absorption Lines , IAU Colloquium 199, held March 14-18 2005, Shanghai, China, edited by P. R. Williams, C. Shu

and B. Menard (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press) pp.451-453 (2005)

“Limits on Gravitational Wave Emission from Selected Pulsars Using LIGO Data,” Abbott, B., et. al. (including Rotthoff Eric, Schlaufman, Kevin, Tibbits, Matthew),

Physical Review Lett. , 94, 181103 (2005)

“A Survey of Analogs to Weak Mg II Absorbers in the Present,” Narayanan, A., Charlton, J. C., Masiero, Joe R., &

Lynch, Ryan, Astrophysical Journal , 632, 92 (2005)

“GRB 050326: early observations with Swift-UVOT ,” Holland, S. T., Still, M., Landsman, W., Morgan, Adam,

Hunsberger, S., Breeveld, A., Roming, P., and 23 coauthors, GRB Circular Network, 3150, 1 (2005)

“GRB 050331: Swift UVOT Source,” Still, M., Landsman, W., Morgan, Adam, et al., GRB Circular Network, 3157, 1

(2005)

“GRB 050402: early observations with Swift-UVOT ,” Holland, S. T.; Still, M.; Landsman, W.; Morgan, Adam;

Hunsberger, S.; and 27 coauthors, GRB Circular Network, 3167, 1 (2005)

35

“GRB 050408: early optical/ultraviolet observations with Swift/UVOT ,” Holland, S. T.; Capalbi, M.; Morgan, A.;

Kobayashi, S.; Breeveld, A.; Boyd, P.; Gehrels, N.; Hinshaw, D.; Mason, K.; Nousek, J.; Wells, A., GRB Circular

Network, 3227, 1 (2005)

“Swift UVOT observation of GRB 050504,” de Pasquale, M.; Blustin, A.; Morgan, A.; Poole, T.; Still, M.; Gehrels, N.;

Mason, K.; Nousek, J., GRB Circular Network, 3353, 1 (2005)

“Swift UVOT observations of GRB 050520,” Gronwall, C.; Norris, J.; Morgan, A.; Schady, P.; Gehrels, N., GRB

Circular Network, 3444, 1 (2005)

“GRB 050525A: swift late-time decay rate,” Holland, S. T. et al. (and 23 coauthors, including Morgan, A.) GRB

Circular Network, 3551, 1 (2005)

“GRB 050709: swift UVOT and XRT observations,” Morgan, Adam; Grupe, D.; Gronwall, C.; Racusin, J.;

Falcone, A.; Marshall, F.; Chester, M.; Gehrels, N., GRB Circular Network, 3577, 1 (2005)

“Swift UVOT observations of GRB 050714B,” Gronwall, C.; Morgan, A.; Roming, P.; Levan, A.; Ajello, M.; Trippico, M.;

Gehrels, N., GRB Circular Network, 3620, 1 (2005)

“GRB 050802: Swift/UVOT optical and UV detections,” McGowan, K.; Morgan, A.; Mason, K.; Kennedy, T., GRB

Circular Network, 3745, 1 (2005)

“Swift-BAT trigger 149118 is probably not a GRB,” Cummings, J.; Barthelmy, S.; Burrows, D.; Chester, M.;

Gehrels, N.; Goad, M.; Godet, O.; Kennea, J.; Morgan, A.; Pagani, C.; Palmer, D., GRB Circular Network, 3766, 1

(2005) 36

“Possible GRB 050805B: Swift-BAT trigger 149131 May Be a burst,” Cummings, J. et al. (13 coauthors including Morgan, A.), GRB Circular Network, 3768, 1 (2005)

“Swift-BAT trigger 149118 is very likely not a GRB,” Cummings, J. et al. (13 coauthors including Morgan, A.),

GRB Circular Network, 3773, 1 (2005)

“GRB050922C - swift UVOT preliminary analysis,” Hunsberger, S. D.; Marshall, F.; Holland, S. T.; Brown, P.;

Morgan, A.; Roming, P.; Cucchiara, A., GRB Circular Network, 4041, 1 (2005)

“Maximizing Signal-to-Noise for Dark Gamma-ray Burst Afterglows,” Morgan, A. N.; Roming, P. W. A.; Nousek, J.

A ., Bulletin American Astronomical Society , 37, 1290 (2005)

“Swift UVOT Detection of GRB 050318,” Still, M. et al. ( 29 coauthors including Morgan, A.), Astrophysical Journal,

635,1187 (2005)

“Ultraviolet, Optical, and X-Ray Observations of the Type Ia Supernova 2005am with Swift, Brown, P. J.; Holland, S. T.; James, C.; Milne, P.; Roming, P. W. A.; Mason, K. O.; Page, K. L.; Beardmore, A. P.; Burrows, D.; Morgan, A.;

and 14 coauthors, Astrophysical Journal, 635,1192 (2005)

2006 Publications:“Detection of Orbital and Superhump Periods in Nova

V2574 Ophiuchi (2004),” Kang, Tae. W., Retter, A., Liu, A. & Richards, M. T., Astronomical Journal , 131, 1687 (2006)

37

"Nova V4743 Sgr (2002) An Intermediate Polar Candidate,” Kang, Tae W., Retter, A., Liu, A.   & Richards,

M. T., Astronomical Journal , 132, 608 (2006)

“Long-term Variability in the Length of the Solar Cycle,” Rogers, Michael L., Richards, M. T., & Richards, D. St.P.,

astro-ph/0606426 (2006)

“A Catalog of Broad Absorptioon Line Quasars from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey Third Data Release,” Trump, Jonathan R., et al., Astrophysical Journal Supplement ,

165, 1 (2006)

“Spectral Energy Distributions and Multiwavelength Selection of Type 1 Quasars,” Richards, G. T., Lacy, M.,

Storrie-Lombardi, L. J., Hall, P. B., Gallagher, S. C., Hines, D. C., Fan, X., Papovich, C., Vanden Berk, D. E., Trammell,

George B., Schneider, D. P., et al. (6 coauthors), Astrophysical Journal Supplement , 166, 470 (2006)

“A Survey of Weak Mg II Absorbers at Redshift <z> = 1.78,” Lynch, Ryan S., Charlton, J. C., Kim, T. S.,

Astrophysical Journal, 640, 81 (2006)

“The Nature of Weak Mg II Absorbing Structures,” Milutinović, N., Rigby, J. R., Masiero, J. R., Lynch, Ryan S.;

Palma, C., & Charlton, J. C., Astrophysical Journal , 641, 190 (2006)

“Intrinsic Absorption in the HST Archive II: Partial Covering and Associated O VI Systems, “ Ganguly, R., Lynch, Ryan S., Charlton, J. C., Eracleous, M., Tripp, T.

M.,Palma, C., Sembach, K. R., Misawa, T., Masiero, J. R., Milutinovic, N., & Jones, Therese M., Bulletin American

Astronomical Society , No. 72.10 (2006)

38

“A z=0.45 DLA With Only Weak MgII Absorption? “ Jones, Therese; Charlton, J. C.; Mshar, Andrew C.; Ferland, G. J.; Stancil, P. C., Bulletin American Astronomical Society , No.

129.05 (2006)

“Evidence of Hierarchical Galaxy Formation from Strong MgII Absorbers,” Mshar, Andrew; Charlton, J. C.; Churchill,

C. W.; Kim, T., Bulletin American Astronomical Society , No. 197.06 (2006)

“Modes of Star Formation in an Early Universe Laboratory: HST/ACS Imaging of Hickson Compact Group 31,” Tobolewski, Joshua; Gallagher, S. C.; Chandar, R.; Gronwall, C.; English, J.; Johnson, K. E.; Durrell, P. R.;

Hibbard, J. E.; Mendes de Oliveira, C.; Whitmore, B. C.; Charlton, J. C., Bulletin American Astronomical Society ,

No. 211.08 (2006)

“PNLF Distances to Six Face-On Spiral Galaxies,” Herrmann, Kimberly A.; Ciardullo, R.; Feldmeier, J. J.;

Vinciguerra, Matthew, Bulletin American Astronomical Society , No. 04.16 (2006)

“GRB 060719: Swift/UVOT upper limits,” Morgan, Adam; Brown, P.; Stamatikos, M., GRB Circular Network, 5351, 1

(2006)

“GRB 060728: Swift detection of a burst,” Pagani, C. et al. (9 coauthors including Morgan, A.), GRB Circular Network,

5360, 1 (2006)

“GRB 060728: Swift/UVOT upper limits,” Morgan, A. N.; Chester, M. M.; Pagani, C., GRB Circular Network, 5364, 1

(2006)

39

“GRB 060908: Swift detection of a burst with a bright optical counterpart,” Evans, P. A. et al. (13 coauthors including Morgan, A.), GRB Circular Network, 5544, 1

(2006)

“GRB 060908: Swift/UVOT observations,” Morgan, A. N.; vanden Berk, D. E.; Brown, P.; Evans, P. A., GRB Circular

Network, 5553, 1 (2006)

“Swift Panchromatic Observations of the Bright Gamma-Ray Burst GRB 050525a,” Blustin, A. J. et al. (64 coauthors including Morgan, A. N.), Astrophysical Journal , 637, 901

(2006)

“Ultraviolet Observations of M51 with Swift/UVOT ,” Hunsberger, Sally D.; Gronwall, C.; Morgan, A.; Immler, S.;

Poole, T. S.; Breeveld, A. A., Bulletin American Astronomical Society , No. 04.04 (2006)

“Very Early Optical Afterglows of Gamma-Ray Bursts: Evidence for Relative Paucity of Detection,” Roming, P. et

al. (40 coauthors including Morgan, A.), Astrophysical Journal , 652, 1416 (2006)

“On the selection of AGN neutrino source candidates for a source stacking analysis with neutrino telescopes,”

Achterberg, A.; Ackermann, M.; Adams, J.; Ahrens, J.; Atlee, D. W.; Bahcall, J. N. and 198 coauthors (including

Jessica Hart), Astroparticle Physics , 26, 282 (2006)

“Limits on the High-Energy Gamma and Neutrino Fluxes from the SGR 1806-20 Giant Flare of 27 December 2004

with the AMANDA-II Detector,” Achterberg, A.; Ackermann, M.; Adams, J.; Ahrens, J.; Andeen, K.; Atlee,

D. W.; Bahcall, J. N.; and 208 coauthors (including Jessica Hart), Physical Review Letters , 97, 1101 (2006)

40

“First year performance of the IceCube neutrino telescope,” Icecube Collaboration; Achterberg, A.; and 211 coauthors (including David Atlee and Jessica Hart),

Astroparticle Physics , 26, 155 (2006)

“A Search for Short Timescale Structure in GRB041223,” Fiorenza, Stephanie L.; Fenimore, E. E.; Galassi, M.;

Norman, B., Bulletin American Astronomical Society , No. 212.05 (2006)

2007 Publications:“Five years of searches for point sources of astrophysical neutrinos with the AMANDA-II neutrino telescope,” Achterberg, A.; Ackermann, M.;

Adams, J.; Ahrens, J.; Andeen, K.; Atlee, D. W.; Bahcall, J. N.; and 211 coauthors (including Jessica Hart), Physical Review D , 75, j2001 (2007)“The UV Properties of SDSS-

Selected Quasars,” Trammell, George B., Vanden Berk, D. E., Schneider, D. P., Richards, G. T., Hall, P. B., Anderson,

S. F., & Brinkmann, J., Astronomical Journal ,133, 1780 (2007)

41

“Virgo's Intracluster Globular Clusters as Seen by the Advanced Camera for Surveys,” Williams, B. F.; Ciardullo,

R.; Durrell, P. R.; Feldmeier, J. J.; Sigurdsson, S.; Vinciguerra, Matt; and 8 coauthors, Astrophysical Journal ,

654, 835 (2007)

“The Resolved Stellar Populations of a Dwarf Spheroidal Galaxy in the Virgo Cluster,” Durrell, P. R.; and 14

coauthors (including Matt Vinciguerra), Astrophysical Journal , 656, 746 (2007)

“The Metallicity Distribution of Intracluster Stars in Virgo,” Williams, B. F.; Ciardullo, R.; Durrell, P. R.; Vinciguerra, Matt; and 10 coauthors, Astrophysical

Journal , 656, 756 (2007)

“The X-ray Properties of the Most-Luminous Quasars from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey,” Just, Dennis W.; Brandt, W. N.; Shemmer, O.; Steffen, A. T.; Schneider, D. P.; Chartas, G.; Garmire, G. P. , Astrophysical Journal , in press, astro-

ph0705.3059 (2007)

“Quasar Intrinsic Absorption in the HST Archive,” Ganguly, R.; Misawa, T.; Lynch, Ryan; Charlton, J. C.;

Eracleous, M.; Hawthorn, M. J.; Grier, C., .in The Central Engine of Active Galactic Nuclei, ASP Conference Series,

Vol. 373, Proceedings of the conference held 16-21 October, 2006 at Xi'an Jioatong University, Xi'an, China.

Edited by Luis C. Ho and Jian-Min Wang, p.297 (2007)

“The Kinematic Evolution of Strong MgII Absorbers,” Mshar, Andrew C., Charlton, J. C., Lynch, Ryan S.,

Churchill, C., Kim, T., Astrophysical Journal , 669, 135 (2007)

42

“Physical Properties of Weak MgII Absorbers at z~2,” Lynch, Ryan S. & Charlton, J. C., Astrophysical Journal ,

666, 64 (2007)

“A Catalog of Absorption Lines in Eight HST/STIS E230M 1.0 < z < 1.7 Quasar Spectra,” Milutinovic, N., Misawa, T.,

Lynch, Ryan S., Masiero, J. R., Palma, C., Charlton, J. C., Kirkman, D., Bockenhauer, S., & Tytler, D., Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society , 382,1094

(2007)

“Partial Covering by an Fe I-rich Intervening Weak Mg II Absorber,” Jones, Therese; Misawa, T., Mshar, A.,

Charlton, J. C., Ferland, G. J., & Stancil, P. C., Bulletin American Astronomical Society , No. 211.54.01 (2007)

“A Survey of Intrinsic Narrow Absorption Lines in 75 VLT/UVES Quasars,” Einsig, Derek; Misawa, T.;

Narayanan, A.; Charlton, J.; Ganguly, R., Bulletin American Astronomical Society , No. 211.45.05 (2007)

“Photoionization Modeling of a z=2 Multiple Cloud Weak MgII Absorber,” Green, Rebecca; Narayanan, A.; Charlton, J., Bulletin American Astronomical Society , No. 211.54.02

(2007)

“Could the GRB-supernovae 031203 and 060218 Be Cosmic Twins?” Feng, Lu; Fox, D., Bulletin American

Astronomical Society , No. 211.1008 (2007)

“A Strong Upper Limit on the Pulsed Radio Luminosity of the Compact Object 1RXS J141256.0+792204,” Hessels, J.

W. T., Stappers, B. W., Rutledge, R. E., Fox, D. B. & Shevchuk, A. H., Astronomy & Astrophysics , 476, 331

(2007)

43

“Hunting for Neutron Star with the Swift Satellite,” Shevchuk, Andrew, Rutledge, R. E. & Fox, D. B., Bulletin American Astronomical Society , No. 211.102.10 (2007)

“Search for Neutrino-induced Cascades from Gamma-Ray Bursts with AMANDA,” Achterberg, A.; and 223 coauthors (including Vincent Viscomi), Astrophysical Journal , 664,

397 (2007)

“Detection of atmospheric muon neutrinos with the IceCube 9-string detector,” Achterberg, A.; and 234

coauthors (including Vincent Viscomi), Physical Review D , 76b, 7101 (2007)

“Multiyear search for a diffuse flux of muon neutrinos with AMANDA-II,” Achterberg, A.; and 232 coauthors

(including Vincent Viscomi), Physical Review D , 76d, 2008 (2007)

2008 Publications:“Discovery of an Isolated Compact Object at High Galactic Latitude,” Rutledge, R. E., Fox, D. B. & Shevchuk, A. H.,

ApJ, 672, 1137 (2008)

“The Search for Muon Neutrinos from Northern Hemisphere Gamma-Ray Bursts with AMANDA,”

Achterberg, A.; and 235 coauthors (including Vincent Viscomi), Astrophysical Journal , 674, 357 (2008)

44

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES Penn State students with a B. S. in astronomy & astrophysics have been successful in establishing careers in a wide variety of technical fields. Students should be aware that a degree in astronomy is less well known by employers than degrees in computer science or physics. We encourage majors intending to end their education with a B.S. to obtain a minor or double major in one of these two allied fields. Students interested in job placement after a B. S. degree are strongly encouraged to participate in departmental research or the Eberly College of Science Co-op program during their time at Penn State. For more information see: http://www.astro.psu.edu/deptinfo/CareerResources.html .

The Planetary Science and Astronomy degree was designed to provide students with flexibility to pursue careers in technical fields, formal education, or informal education (e.g., a planetarium or science center) after the B.S. degree. Formal education will likely require additional coursework in a program that provides teaching certification, however, planetaria and science centers usually do not require graduate coursework.

Recent graduates who chose to find employment after receiving their bachelor of science degrees in ASTRO found work in a wide range of capacities, including:

Industry (including computer software, high-technology, telecommunications, and aerospace companies)

High schools and universities Armed services Astronomical research enterprises like the Allegheny Observatory, Space

Telescope Science Institute, and NASA

Some recent graduates include uniformed officers in the Army and Navy, a planetarium outreach astronomer, a software engineer with Orbital Sciences, a C programmer at AT&T in New Jersey, a physics high school teacher in Maryland, a programmer at the Space Telescope Science Institute, a two geospatial analysts at GeoEye, a physicist at Lockheed Martin, and a researcher working on Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) for California-based AeroVironment. Many of our ASTRO majors pursue graduate education in astronomy. Recent graduates have gone to some of the finest graduate Astronomy programs including the University of Arizona, Arizona State University, California Institute of Technology, University of Chicago, University of Colorado, Cornell University, Harvard, University of Hawaii, Johns Hopkins University, Georgia State University, Louisiana State University, University of Maryland, University of Massachusetts, Princeton University, University of Wisconsin, and Cambridge University (UK).

Some students chose graduate departments in allied fields like Physics or Earth Sciences: University of Arizona (Astrobiology, Optics), University of Chicago (Physics), University of California (Geophysics), Ohio State University (Electrical Engineering),

45

Brandeis University (Physics), and University of California, Berkeley (Ecology), Arizona State (Geosciences), and Johns Hopkins (Geosciences).

Some alumni are now professors of astronomy or physics at major research universities, e.g., California Institute of Technology, University of Hawaii, and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Other alumni are astronomers at NASA, Space Telescope Science Institute, Goddard Space Flight Center, and at various universities.

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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

HONORS PROGRAM

Some ASTRO and PASTR majors are in the Schreyer Honors College. This is a University-wide honors program for academically advanced students designed to challenge, enrich, and broaden their general education, and to deepen their preparation for graduate study or a profession. Entry into the program is by invitation only, either from high school, or during the first two years at Penn State.

Schreyer Scholars may choose from a wide variety of special honors courses and sections offered to satisfy Penn State's General Education component. Students’ progress in their fields of specialization is enhanced by special courses, independent study and research, graduate courses, and honors-option work in regular courses. Honors study in the freshman and sophomore years concentrates mainly on General Education (e.g., honors sections in physics and math courses). In the junior and senior years, the emphasis changes to astronomy & astrophysics, with independent research (ASTRO 496H) leading to an honors thesis and an honors degree. Scholars work closely with their honors advisor to design an academic program that best suits their needs. Honors advisors are permitted considerable flexibility in approving unusual programs, which do not require petitions to the Assistant Department Head for Undergraduate Education or the dean of the college. To remain in the Schreyer Honors College, students must take at least 7 9 honors credits per year, file annual plans of study, and maintain a specified grade-point average. More information can be obtained form the Schreyer Honors College office in 10 Schreyer Honors College, or visit their website at http://www.scholars.psu.edu/

Astronomy & Astrophysics offers an honors seminar, ASTRO 400H, for honors majors. To be taken in the junior and/or senior years, it provides an unusual, multifaceted view of astronomical studies. Various faculty present their research during this course.

The department currently has four honors advisors: Professors Niel Brandt, Jane Charlton, Steinn Sigurdsson, and Alex Wolszczan.

FINANCIAL AID AND SCHOLARSHIPS

Penn State provides four types of student aid programs: grants, scholarships, loans, and employment. First-year students are automatically considered for all available University scholarships. Many ASTRO majors find summer or academic year employment in the department, assisting the faculty and staff with research. To receive an informational booklet about financial aid, contact the Office of Student Aid, 314 Shields Building or visit http://www.psu.edu/dept/studentaid/http://studentaid.psu.edu/

The department also nominates students with particularly strong academic records for a variety of scholarships and awards, some from within the University (e.g. Braddock

47

Scholars) and some nationally competitive awards. Recent majors have won several coveted NSF Graduate Fellowships, Astronaut Fellowships, Goldwater Scholarships, NASA Scholarships, and Fulbright Fellowships. Information and applications for scholarships can be obtained from the Undergraduate Fellowships Office,11-A Grange212 Boucke Building or by visiting http: //www.ufo.psu.edu/https://sites.google.com/site/psuufo

ASTRONOMY CLUB

The Undergraduate Student Government sponsors an Astronomy Club that is associated with the department. The club owns several telescopes and uses department telescopes on the roof of Davey Laboratory. In addition to star parties, road trips and other activities, the club organizes Astronomy Open Houses for the Penn State/State College community. Majors interested in amateur observing, learning the sky, or just having fun with astronomy are encouraged to join the club. http://php.scripts.psu.edu/clubs/up/astro/index.php

COMPUTING FACILITIES

In addition to the University's widely distributed laboratories with personal computers, the department has several a number of modern Mac OS X workstations and PC's for undergraduate research purposes. Students engaged in research need to contact their faculty research supervisor to make a formal request for access to these machines. Additional workstations specifically devoted to undergraduate education in astronomy and related fields are located in the Undergrad Research labs Labs in Davey Lab rooms 531 and 534 535A and in the Physical Sciences Computing Laboratory in 215 216 Osmond Lab.

CAREER-RELATED EXPERIENCE AND STUDY ABROAD OPPORTUNITIES

Science Job Shadowing/Externship Program (First-Year, Sophomore Year)Get a first-hand perspective on possible careers by registering for a job shadowing/externship during your freshman and/or sophomore years. The shadowing lasts one to four days; most students choose something close to your home since the shadowing happens after you’ve left school for the summer. You choose your top three favorites from the list of Penn State alumni extern hosts/sites, and you’ll be matched with one of them. To apply, visit http://cie.science.psu.edu.

Science Cooperative Education (Junior/Senior Years)Co-op gives you extended work experience related to your major, while earning academic credit and getting paid. It’s a win-win-win! You do three co-op “rotations” before graduation, and at least one has to be completed during the fall or spring semester. Most students do a summer/fall or spring/summer assignment and then another summer. You don’t have to complete all three co-ops with the same

48

organization, so it’s a great chance to get experience in a few different environments. You can use your co-op credits to meet course requirements, so plan ahead and talk with your advisor about how you can fit co-op into your degree. For more information, visit http://cie.science.psu.edu.Science InternshipYou can use the Science Career & International Education web-based database to search for opportunities and get leads on possible summer programs. Office staff will review your resume and cover letters, and answer your questions about applications. Then, you simply apply on-line to the organization web sites. Remember – summer is competitive, because you’re in the same applicant pool as everyone in the country, so you need to plan ahead and search for opportunities early. If want to earn academic credit for your internship, complete and return the Request for Academic Credit form at http://cie.science.psu.edu. If not, please let the Science Career & International Education staff know about your position, so they can track the data for their annual report.

International OpportunitiesYou have a lot of chances to get international experience during your time at Penn State. If you want to take upper-level courses abroad, there are places where you can do that. If you’re interested in studying a language, taking gen eds, or visiting some particular country or culture, Penn State’s Education Abroad Office offers almost 200 different study abroad options for Penn State students. We particularly recommend the University of Sussex in southern England, which has an excellent astronomy & astrophysics center. Tuition fees are the same as for Penn State, but the student is responsible for room and board, travel, and miscellaneous expenses. If you have financial aid, you can use it for studying abroad on a Penn State program. Study abroad credits can be indicated by ASTRO 499 or by other course numbers, but their allocation to fulfill specific graduation requirements should be approved in advance by your advisor and Assistant Department Head for Undergraduate Education. A semester abroad also satisfies the University's International Cultures (IL) requirement. If you’d like to get research experience abroad, there are several international REU (Research Experience for Undergraduates) programs available. If you’re not sure about studying abroad for a full semester, then you may want to look at the summer program options, or check out the embedded courses, which are courses that are offered here on campus during the regular semester, but that include some international travel component. A complete list of all study abroad programs and embedded courses can be found at www.global.psu.edu, and more science-specific information about international opportunities can be found at http://cie.science.psu.edu. You can visit either office at any point to get more information and to explore your options, but plan early, because most programs require early applications, and you should talk with your advisor about how you want to fit an international experience into your major.

ResourcesDon’t have a resume or cover letter? Click “Student Handbook” on the Science Career & International Education web site at http://cie.science.psu.edu for samples and advice on getting an internship, co-op or full-time job. Please visit the Science Career & International Education Office in 108 112 Whitmore LabRitenour Building or call 814.865.5000 for more information about gaining career-related or international experience.

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GRE EXAMS

Students who plan to apply to graduate school to study Astronomy or Physics should take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) before or during the fall semester of their senior year.  You need to take both the General and Physics GRE exams. The general Physics subject test is offered in October and November (with early September & October registration deadlines), while the Physics subject General test is offered in mid-December (with an early November registration deadline).year-round.

The main GRE web site is at www.gre.org and has links to both the General and Subject test dates and centers.  The General exam is offered at many Pennsylvania locations (test centers) often throughout the year, but the closest test center to State College is in Harrisburg.  There are no General GRE test centers in State College.

The subject (Physics) exam is offered far less frequently, but typically is available at PSU/University Park.  The test held in late September and late October/early November usually sends scores to graduate schools by mid to late DecemberNovember.  This is considered to be the best time to take the test since it ensures that scores will get to graduate programs in a timely manner.  The test held in mid-December should send results to graduate schools by mid-January. The Society of Physics Students (SPS) chapter at Penn State – University Park often organizes “self-study” groups of seniors who are studying for the Physics exam.  These groups are sometimes assisted by several faculty members from the Physics department.  ; Ccontact Prof. Rick Robinett in Physics if you have any questions. The Astronomy department has recently initiated GRE preparation sessions. Contact the Undergraduate Program Head for further information.

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ASTRO Program Checklists Recommended Academic Plan for Astronomy & Astrophysics - Graduate Studies

Option (ASTRO - GRDST at UP) ASTRO – GRSTD at UP Effective Fall 2007

Semester 1Credits Semester 2

Credits

MATH 140 (GQ) Calculus with Analytic Geometry I 4

MATH 141 (GQ) Calculus with Analytic Geometry II 4

PHYS 211 (GN) General Physics: Mechanics 4

PHYS 212 (GN) General Physics: Electricity & Magnetism 4

CHEM 110 (GN) Chemical Principles I 3CHEM 111 (GN) Experimental Chemistry I 1

General Education course (GA/GH/GS) 3CHEM 112 (GN) Chemical Principles II 3

First-Year Seminar (ASTRO 020S) 2ENGL 015 or 030 (GWS) Composition/Honors Comp. 3Health/Kinesiology course (GHA) 1.5

Total Credits: 16 Total Credits: 16.5

Semester 3Credits Semester 4

Credits

ASTRO 291 (GN) Astronomical Methods & the Solar System 3

ASTRO 292 (GN) Astronomy of the Distant Universe 3

MATH 230 Calculus and Vector Analysis 4

MATH 251 Ordinary and Partial Differential Equations 4

PHYS 213 (GN) General Physics: Fluids & Thermal Physics 2

PHYS 237 Introduction to Modern Physics 3

PHYS 214 (GN) Gen. Physics: Wave Motion & Quantum Phys. 2

CMPSC 121 (GQ) Intro to Programming Techniques 3

CAS 100 (GWS) Effective Speech 3General Education course (IL/US: GA/GH/GS) 3

Total Credits: 14 Total Credits: 16

Semester 5Credits Semester 6

Credits

ASTRO 320 (GN) Observational Astronomy Laboratory 2

ASTRO 4xx (Select a 3-credit 400-level ASTRO course) 3

ASTRO 4xx (Select a 3-credit 400-level ASTRO course) 3

ENGL 202C (GWS) Effective Writing: Technical 3

MATH 405 Advanced Calculus for Engineers & Scientists or 3 CMPSC/MATH/STAT (see Notes 3) 3MATH 411 Ordinary Differential Equations or MATH 417

Select 3 credits of a 300-level or 400-level course

PHYS 419 Theoretical Mechanics 3PHYS 400 Intermediate Electricity and Magnetism I 3

General Education course (IL/US: GA/GH/GS) 3

General Education course (GA/GH/GS) 3

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Health/Kinesiology course (GHA) 1.5Total Credits: 15.5 Total Credits: 15

Semester 7Credits Semester 8

Credits

ASTRO 4xxW (Select a 3-credit 400-level ASTRO W course) 3

ASTRO 4xx (Select a 3-credit 400-level ASTRO course) 3

PHYS 410 Introduction to Quantum Mechanics I 4

PHYS 4xx (Select a 400-level PHYS course - see Notes 4) 3

PHYS 4xx (Select a 400-level PHYS course - see Notes 4) 3

Supporting Course (Select 3 credits - see Notes 5) 3

General Education course (GA/GH/GS) 3Supporting Course (Select 3 credits) 3

General Education course (GA/GH/GS) 3Supporting Course (Select 4 credits) 4

Total Credits: 16 Total Credits: 16

Bold type indicates courses requiring a quality grade of C or better.· Italics indicate courses that satisfy both major and General Education requirements.· Bold Italics indicate courses requiring a quality grade of C or better and that satisfy

both major and General Education requirements.· GWS, GHA, GQ, GN, GA, GH, and GS are codes used to identify General Education

requirements.· US, IL are codes used to designate courses that satisfy University United States (US)

and International (IL) Cultures requirements. These credits can be acquired concurrently with GA, GH, and/or GS courses.

· W is the code used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.

Program Notes: 1. ASTRO 4xx: Choose from ASTRO 400H, 410, 414, 420W, 440, 451, 475W, 480, 485

and 497 courses (except ASTRO 496).2. For the required writing-intensive coursework we recommend taking ASTRO xxxW

courses (e.g., ASTRO 420W, ASTRO 475W).3. Suggested CSE/MATH/STAT courses: CMPSC 451/MATH 451, CMPSC 455/MATH 455,

MATH 318/STAT 318, MATH 406, MATH 411, MATH 412, MATH 461, STAT 301, STAT 401. (MATH 419 cannot be used because it is identical to PHYS 419.)

4. Choose 6-7 credits from PHYS 401, 402, 406, 411, 420, 457 (2-3 credit options), 458, 461, 479, and EE 490.

5. See the Undergraduate Handbook and your advisor for recommended supporting courses.

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Recommended Academic Plan for Astronomy & Astrophysics - Computer Science Option (ASTRO - CMPSC at UP)

ASTRO - CMPSC at UP Effective Fall 2007

Semester 1 Credits Semester 2Credits

MATH 140 (GQ) Calculus with Analytic Geometry I 4

MATH 141 (GQ) Calculus with Analytic Geometry II 4

PHYS 211 (GN) General Physics: Mechanics 4

PHYS 212 (GN) General Physics: Electricity & Magnetism 4

CHEM 110 (GN) Chemical Principles I 3CHEM 111 (GN) Experimental Chemistry I 1

General Education course (GA/GH/GS) 3 CHEM 112 (GN) Chemical Principles II 3

First-Year Seminar (ASTRO 020S) 2ENGL 015 or 030 (GWS) Composition/Honors Composition 3Health/Kinesiology course (GHA) 1.5

Total Credits: 16 Total Credits: 16.5

Semester 3 Credits Semester 4Credits

ASTRO 291 (GN) Astronomical Methods & the Solar System 3

ASTRO 292 (GN) Astronomy of the Distant Universe 3

MATH 230 Calculus and Vector Analysis 4MATH 251 Ordinary and Partial Differential Equations 4

PHYS 213 (GN) General Physics: Fluids & Thermal Physics 2

PHYS 237 Introduction to Modern Physics 3

PHYS 214 (GN) Gen. Physics: Wave Motion & Quantum Phys. 2

CMPSC 121 (GQ) Introduction to Programming Techniques 3

CAS 100 (GWS) Effective Speech 3General Education course (IL/US: GA/GH/GS) 3

Total Credits: 14 Total Credits: 16

Semester 5 Credits Semester 6Credits

ASTRO 320 (GN) Observational Astronomy Laboratory 2

ASTRO 4xx (Select a 3-credit 400-level ASTRO course) 3

ASTRO 4xx (Select a 3-credit 400-level ASTRO course) 3

ENGL 202C (GWS) Effective Writing: Technical 3

CMPSC 122 Intermediate Programming (prereq. CMPSC 121) 3

CMPSC 221 Object-Oriented Programming w/ Applications 3

Select 3 credits from STAT 318, 319, 401, 414 or 418 3

Hardware: CMPEN 271 Introduction to Digital Systems or 3Software: CMPSC 360 Discrete Math for Computer Science

General Education course (IL/US: GA/GH/GS) 3 General Education course (GA/GH/GS) 3Health/Kinesiology course (GHA) 1.5Total Credits: 15.5 Total Credits: 15

Semester 7 Credits Semester 8Credits

ASTRO 4xxW (Select a 3-credit 400-level ASTRO W course) 3

ASTRO 4xx (Select a 3-credit 400-level ASTRO course) 3

CMPSC 451 Numerical Computations 3 CMPSC 4xx (Select a 400-level CSE 353

course - see Notes 4)Hardware: CMPEN 331 Computer Organization & Design or 3 Supporting Course (Select 3 credits) 3Software: CMPSC 465 Data Structures and AlgorithmsGeneral Education course (GA/GH/GS) 3 Supporting Course (Select 3 credits) 3General Education course (GA/GH/GS) 3 Supporting Course (Select 3 credits) 3Supporting Course (Select 2 credits) 2Total Credits: 17 Total Credits: 15

· Bold type indicates courses requiring a quality grade of C or better.· Italics indicate courses that satisfy both major and General Education requirements.· Bold Italics indicate courses requiring a quality grade of C or better and that satisfy

both major and General Education requirements.· GWS, GHA, GQ, GN, GA, GH, and GS are codes used to identify General Education

requirements.· US, IL are codes used to designate courses that satisfy University United States (US)

and International (IL) Cultures requirements. These credits can be acquired concurrently with GA, GH, and/or GS courses.

· W is the code used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.

Program Notes: 1. ASTRO 4xx: Choose from ASTRO 400H, 410, 414, 420W, 440, 451, 475W, 480, 485

and 497 courses (except ASTRO 496).2. For the required writing-intensive coursework we recommend taking ASTRO xxxW

courses (e.g., ASTRO 420W, ASTRO 475W).3. Students taking the Computer Science option should follow one of the following

sequences in their junior year:(1) Software Emphasis: CMPSC 360 and 465 or

(2) Hardware Emphasis: CMPEN 271 and 331.4. CMPSC 4xx courses:

For Software Emphasis, choose from CMPSC 431W, 442, 450, 458, 467, 468, 483W, CMPEN 454 or

For Hardware Emphasis, choose from CMPEN 417, 431, 454, 471, 472.

5. See the Undergraduate Handbook and your advisor for recommended supporting courses.

54

28

29

30

31

ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS MAJOR Program Years: 2007

B.S. Degree, Graduate Study Option General Education Years: 2005 Eberly College of Science The Pennsylvania State University Student Name_____________________________________

For the B.S. degree in Astronomy and Astrophysics, a minimum of 124 credits is required. The following four requirements are to be integrated into the course requirements for the major which are listed below.

( ) First-Year Seminar (required of all students admitted to the University Park as freshmen) since SU99) Note: ASTRO 020S is recommended and may be used as a supporting course.( ) International Cultures (IL)

Note: Many students will select a course which is also approved to satisfy a General Education requirement in the arts, humanities, or social and behavioral sciences (e.g., RL ST 001 GH/IL).

( ) United States Cultures (US)Note: Many students will select a course which is also approved to satisfy a General Education requirement in the arts, humanities, or social and behavioral sciences (e.g., A ED 225 GH/US).

( ) Writing Across the Curriculum (W)Note: ASTRO 420W or ASTRO 475W are recommended and may be used to satisfy a 400-level ASTRO course requirement.

In order to graduate, students must:

( ) complete all of the course requirements.( ) have a 2.00 or better cumulative grade point average.( ) earn a C or better in each of the C-required courses in the major (i.e., CHEM 110;

MATH 140, 141; PHYS 211, 212; ASTRO 291, 292; and 12 credits of 400-level ASTRO courses).*( ) earn 36 of the last 60 credits required for the degree in courses offered by the

University.( ) earn the last 60 credits within a total elapsed time of five calendar years.

Course Requirements (Record the grade earned in the space provided to the right of the credit value of the course.)

Writing and Speaking (GWS) (9 cr)ENGL 15 or 30 (3) __________CAS (SPCOM) 100 (3) __________ ENGL 202C (3) __________

Health and Physical Activity (GHA) (3 cr)32

____________________ ( ) ______________________________ ( ) ______________________________ ( ) __________

Arts (GA) (6 cr)____________________ ( ) ______________________________ ( ) ______________________________ ( ) __________

Humanities (GH) (6 cr) ____________________ ( ) __________ ____________________ ( ) __________ ____________________ ( ) __________

Social and Behavioral Sciences (GS) (6 cr)

____________________ ( ) ______________________________ ( ) ______________________________ ( ) __________

Note: Students may choose to distribute their GA/GH/GS credits as 9-6-3 (e.g.,. 9 GA, 6 GH, 3 GS). A petition is required to put this change into effect

(over)

33

CHEM 110 (GN) (3 cr)* __________CHEM 111 (GN) (1 cr) __________CHEM 112 (GN) (3 cr) __________

MATH 140 (GQ) (4 cr)* __________ MATH 141 (GQ) (4 cr)* __________ MATH 230 (4 cr) __________MATH 251 (4 cr) __________

PHYS 211 (GN) (4 cr)* __________ PHYS 212 (GN) (4 cr)* __________ PHYS 213 (GN) (2 cr) __________PHYS 214 (GN) (2 cr) __________PHYS 237 (3 cr) __________PHYS 400 (3 cr) __________PHYS 410 (4 cr) __________PHYS 419 (3 cr) __________

ASTRO 291 (GN) (3 cr)* __________ ASTRO 292 (GN) (3 cr)* __________ ASTRO 320 (2 cr) __________

400-level ASTRO courses (except ASTRO 496) (12 cr)* ____________________ ( ) ______________________________ ( ) ______________________________ ( ) __________

____________________ ( ) __________

Select from CMPSC 121, CMPSC 201, or CMPSC 202 (3 cr) ____________________ ( ) _________

Select from MATH 405, 411, or 417 (3 cr)**

____________________ ( ) _________

Select from PHYS 401, 402, 406, 411, 420, 457, 458, 461, 479, and E E 471 (6-7 cr)**____________________ ( ) __________ ____________________

( ) __________

Select from advanced courses in CMPSC, MATH, or STAT (i.e., 300-level or 400-level courses) (3 cr)** ____________________ ( ) __________

Supporting courses (ASTRO 020S recommended for first-year students) (10-11 cr)**34

Note: Although the supporting courses are intended to be electives, there are a few types of courses which may not be used in this category. See department list for additional information.

____________________ ( ) ______________________________ ( )

______________________________ ( ) __________

____________________ ( ) __________

____________________ ( ) ______________________________ ( )

______________________________ ( ) __________

____________________ ( ) __________

CREDITS EARNED THAT DO NOT APPLY TOWARD GRADUATION____________________ ( ) __________ ____________________ ((

) ______________________________ ( ) __________

____________________ ( ) __________

*A grade of C or better is required for these courses.**Students must complete a minimum of 20 credits of course work in the combined three

categories marked.

35

ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS MAJOR Program Years: 2007

B.S. Degree, Computer Science Option General Education Years: 2005 Eberly College of Science The Pennsylvania State University Student Name

For the B.S. degree in Astronomy and Astrophysics, a minimum of 124 credits is required. The following four requirements are to be integrated into the course requirements for the major which are listed below.

( ) First-Year Seminar (required of all students admitted to University Park as freshmen) Note: ASTRO 020S is recommended and may be used as a supporting course.( ) International Cultures (IL)

Note: Many students will select a course which is also approved to satisfy a General Education requirement in the arts, humanities, or social and behavioral sciences (e.g., RL ST 001 GH/IL).

( ) United States Cultures (US)Note: Many students will select a course which is also approved to satisfy a General Education requirement in the arts, humanities, or social and behavioral sciences (e.g., A ED 225 GH/US).

( ) Writing Across the Curriculum (W)Note: ASTRO 420W or ASTRO 475W are recommended and may be used to satisfy a 400-level ASTRO course requirement.

In order to graduate, students must:

( ) complete all of the course requirements.( ) have a 2.00 or better cumulative grade point average.( ) earn a C or better in each of the C-required courses in the major (i.e., CHEM 110;

MATH 140, 141; PHYS 211, 212; ASTRO 291, 292; and 12 credits of 400-level ASTRO courses).*

( ) earn 36 of the last 60 credits required for the degree in courses offered by the University.

( ) earn the last 60 credits within a total elapsed time of five calendar years.

Course Requirements (Record the grade earned in the space provided to the right of the credit value of the course.)

Writing and Speaking (GWS) (9 cr)ENGL 15 or 30 (3) CAS (SPCOM) 100 (3) ENGL 202C (3)

Health and Physical Activity (GHA) (3 cr)( ) ( ) ( )

36

Arts (GA) (6 cr)( ) ( )( )

Humanities (GH) (6 cr) ( ) ( ) ( )

Social and Behavioral Sciences (GS) (6 cr)

( ) ( ) ( )

Note: Students may choose to distribute their GA/GH/GS credits as 9-6-3 (e.g., 9 GA, 6 GH, 3 GS). A petition is required to put this change into effect

CHEM 110 (GN) (3 cr)* CHEM 111 (GN) (1 cr) CHEM 112 (GN) (3 cr)

MATH 140 (GQ) (4 cr)* MATH 141 (GQ) (4 cr)* MATH 230 (4 cr) MATH 251 (4 cr)

PHYS 211 (GN) (4 cr)* PHYS 212 (GN) (4 cr)* PHYS 213 (GN) (2 cr) PHYS 214 (GN) (2 cr) PHYS 237 (3 cr)

CMPSC 121 (3 cr) CMPSC 122 (3 cr) CMPSC 221 (3 cr) CMPSC 451 (3 cr)

ASTRO 291 (GN) (3 cr)* ASTRO 292 (GN) (3 cr)* ASTRO 320 (2 cr)

400-level ASTRO courses (except ASTRO 496) (12 cr)* ( ) ( ) ( ) ( )

Select from STAT 318, 319, 401, 414, or 418 (3 cr) ( )

37

Select from CMPEN 271, 331, 360, or CMPSC 465 (6 cr) ( ) ( )

Select from 400-level courses in CMPEN or CMPSC (3 cr) ( )

Supporting courses (ASTRO 020S recommended for first-year students) (12 cr) Note: Although the supporting courses are intended to be electives, there are a few

types of courses which may not be used in this category. See department list for additional information.

( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( )

CREDITS EARNED THAT DO NOT APPLY TOWARD GRADUATION( ) ( ) ( ) ( )

*A grade of C or better is required for these courses.

38

ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS MAJOR Program Years: 200 7

B.S. Degree, Computer Science Option

General Education Years: 2005

Eberly College of Science

The Pennsylvania State University Student Name_____________________________________

For the B.S. degree in Astronomy and Astrophysics, a minimum of 124 credits is required. The following four requirements are to be integrated into the

course requirements for the major which are listed below.

( ) First-Year Seminar (required of all students admitted to the University as freshmen since SU99)

Note: ASTRO 020S is recommended and may be used as a supporting course.

( ) International Cultures (IL)

Note: Many students will select a course which is also approved to satisfy a General Education requirement in the arts, humanities, or social and

behavioral sciences (e.g., RL ST 001 GH/IL).

( ) United States Cultures (US)

Note: Many students will select a course which is also approved to satisfy a General Education requirement in the arts, humanities, or social and

behavioral sciences (e.g., A ED 225 GH/US).

( ) Writing Across the Curriculum (W)

Note: ASTRO 420w or ASTRO 475W are recommended and may be used to satisfy a 400-level ASTRO course requirement.

In order to graduate, students must:

39

( ) complete all of the course requirements.

( ) have a 2.00 or better cumulative grade point average.

( ) earn a C or better in each of the C-required courses in the major (i.e., CHEM 012; MATH 140, 141; PHYS 211, 212; ASTRO 291,

292; and 12 credits of 400-level ASTRO courses).*

( ) earn 36 of the last 60 credits required for the degree in courses offered by the University.

40

( ) earn the last 60 credits within a total elapsed time of five calendar years.

Course Requirements (Record the grade earned in the space provided to the right of the credit value of the course.)

Writing and Speaking (GWS) (9 cr)

ENGL 15 or 30 (3) __________

CAS (SPCOM) 100 (3) __________

ENGL 202C (3) __________

41

Health and Physical Activity (GHA) (3 cr)

____________________ ( ) __________

____________________ ( ) __________

____________________ ( ) __________

Arts (GA) (6 cr)

____________________ ( ) __________

____________________ ( ) __________

____________________ ( ) __________

Humanities (GH) (6 cr)

____________________ ( ) __________

____________________ ( ) __________

____________________ ( ) __________

Social and Behavioral Sciences (GS) (6 cr)

____________________ ( ) __________

____________________ ( ) __________

____________________ ( ) __________

Note: Students may choose to distribute their GA/GH/GS credits as 9-6-3 (e.g.,. 9 GA, 6 GH, 3 GS. A petition is required to put this change into effect

(over)

42

CHEM 110 (GN) (3 cr)* __________

CHEM 111 (GN) (1 cr) __________

CHEM 112 (GN) (3 cr) __________

MATH 140 (GQ) (4 cr)* __________

MATH 141 (GQ) (4 cr)* __________

MATH 230 (4 cr) __________

MATH 251 (4 cr) __________

PHYS 211 (GN) (4 cr)* __________

PHYS 212 (GN) (4 cr)* __________

PHYS 213 (GN) (2 cr) __________

PHYS 214 (GN) (2 cr) __________

PHYS 237 (3 cr) __________

CMPSC 121 (3 cr) __________

CMPSC 122 (3 cr) __________

CMPSC 221 (3 cr) __________

CMPSC 451 (3 cr) __________

ASTRO 291 (GN) (3 cr)* __________

ASTRO 292 (GN) (3 cr)* __________

ASTRO 320 (2 cr) __________

400-level ASTRO courses (except ASTRO 496) (12 cr)*

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____________________ ( ) __________ ____________________ ( ) __________

____________________ ( ) __________ ____________________ ( ) __________

Select from STAT 318, 319, 401, 414, or 418 (3 cr)

____________________ ( ) __________

Select from CMPEN 271, CMPEN 331, CMPSC 360, or CMPSC 465 (6 cr)

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____________________ ( ) __________

Select from 400-level courses in CMPEN or CMPSC (3 cr)

____________________ ( ) __________

Supporting courses (ASTRO 020S recommended for first-year students) (12 cr)

Note: Although the supporting courses are intended to be electives, there are a few types of courses which may not be used in this category. See

department list for additional information.

____________________ ( ) __________ ____________________ ( ) __________

____________________ ( ) __________ ____________________ ( ) __________

____________________ ( ) __________ ____________________ ( ) __________

____________________ ( ) __________ ____________________ ( ) __________

CREDITS EARNED THAT DO NOT APPLY TOWARD GRADUATION

____________________ ( ) __________ ____________________ ( ) __________

____________________ ( ) __________ ____________________ ( ) __________

*A grade of C or better is required for these courses.

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PASTR Program Checklists

Recommended Academic Plan for Planetary Science and Astronomy (PASTR at UP)

PASTR at UP Effective Fall 2013

Semester 1 Credits

Semester 2 Credits

Astro 20S (supporting course) 2 Chem 110 (GN) 3Math 140 or 140G (GQ) 4 Chem 111 (GN) 1Astro 001, 005, or 006 (GN) 3 Math 141 or 141G (GQ) 4Geosc 001 3 Astro 120 or 130 (GN) 3GA / GH / GS 3 English 015 (GWS) 3Total Credits: 15 Total Credits: 14Semester 3 Credi

tsSemester 4 Credit

sBio 110 (GN) 4 CAS 100 (GWS) 3Chem 112 (GN) 3 Cmpsc 201 (GQ) 3Chem 113 (GN) 1 Advanced Elective (see Notes

1)3 - 4

Phys 211 or 250 (GN) 4 Earth 103 (GN) 3Astro 140 (GN) 3 GA / GH / GS (IL) 3Total Credits: 15 Total Credits: 15 -

16Semester 5 Credi

tsSemester 6 Credit

sAstro 401 4 Astro 402 3English 202C (GWS) 3 Advanced Elective (W) (see

Notes 1 & 2)3

Earth 202 3 Phys 212 or 251 (GN) 4Geog 160 (GS) (see Notes 3) 3 Stat 200 (GQ) 4Advanced Elective (see Notes 3 GHA 1.5

46

1)

Total Credits: 16 Total Credits: 15.5Semester 7 Credi

tsSemester 8 Credit

sAstro 120 or 130 (GN) 3 Supporting Course (see Notes

4)3

Supporting Course (see Notes 4)

3 Supporting Course (see Notes 4)

3

Bio / Geo 474 3 Meteo 101 (GN) 3GA / GH / GS 3 GA / GH / GS 3GA / GH / GS 3 GA / GH / GS 3GHA 1.5Total Credits: 16.5 Total Credits: 15

· Bold type indicates courses requiring a quality grade of C or better (Note: the list for the PASTR major includes nine courses, four of which must be completed with a grade of C or better).

· Italics indicate courses that satisfy both major and General Education requirements.· Bold Italics indicate courses requiring a quality grade of C or better and that satisfy

both major and General Education requirements.· GWS, GHA, GQ, GN, GA, GH, and GS are codes used to identify General Education

requirements.· US, IL are codes used to designate courses that satisfy University United States (US)

and International (IL) Cultures requirements. These credits can be acquired concurrently with GA, GH, and/or GS courses.

· W is the code used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.

Program Notes: 1. The Advanced Elective list includes > 35 courses from a variety of disciplines and is

found below2. For the required writing-intensive coursework we recommend one of the four W

courses on the Advanced Elective list, however, they all have multiple prerequisites that may not be met by all PASTR students, so a W course can also be taken as a supporting course.

3. Although this course is a GS course, it does not currently count to fill the GS General Education requirement if you take it to satisfy the major requirements.

4. See the Undergraduate Handbook and your advisor for recommended supporting courses.

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PLANETARY SCIENCE AND ASTRONOMY MAJOR Program Years: 2013

B.S. Degree General Education Years: 2005(?) Eberly College of Science The Pennsylvania State University SStudent Name_____________________________________

For the B.S. degree in Planetary Science and Astronomy, a minimum of 122 credits is required. The following four requirements are to be integrated into the course requirements for the major which are listed below.

( ) First-Year Seminar (required of all students admitted to the University as freshmen since SU99)

Note: ASTRO 020S is recommended and may be used as a supporting course.

( ) International Cultures (IL)Note: Many students will select a course that is also approved to satisfy a General Education requirement in the arts, humanities, or social and behavioral sciences (e.g., RL ST 001 GH/IL).

( ) United States Cultures (US)Note: Many students will select a course that is also approved to satisfy a General Education requirement in the arts, humanities, or social and behavioral sciences (e.g., A ED 225 GH/US).

( ) Writing Across the Curriculum (W)Note: ASTRO 420W, ASTRO 475W, BIOL 220W, and BIOL 230W are all on the advanced elective list and may be used to satisfy this requirement.

In order to graduate, students must:

( ) complete all of the course requirements.( ) have a 2.00 or better cumulative grade point average.( ) earn a C or better in MATH 140 and four of the following: ASTRO 120, 130, 140, BIOL

110, CHEM 110, EARTH 002, GEOSCI 001, GEOSCI 020, and STAT 200( ) earn 36 of the last 60 credits required for the degree in courses offered by the

University.( ) earn the last 60 credits within a total elapsed time of five calendar years.

CCourse Requirements (Record the grade earned in the space provided to the right of the credit value of the course.)

Writing and Speaking (GWS) (9 cr) ENGL 15 or 30 (3) __________CAS 100 (3) __________ ENGL 202C (3) __________

Health and Physical Activity (GHA) (3 cr)48

____________________ ( ) ______________________________ ( ) __________

____________________ ( ) __________

Arts (GA) (6 cr)____________________ (( ) ______________________________ ( ) ______________________________ ( ) __________

Humanities (GH) (6 cr) ____________________ ( ) __________ ____________________ ( ) __________ ____________________ ( ) __________

Social and Behavioral Sciences (GS) (6 cr)

____________________ ( ) ______________________________ ( ) ______________________________ ( ) __________

Note: Students may choose to distribute their GA/GH/GS credits as 9-6-3 (e.g.,. 9 GA, 6 GH, 3 GS). A petition is required to put this change into effect

49

BIOL 110 (GN) (4 cr)*

CHEM 110 (GN) (3 cr)* __________CHEM 111 (GN) (1 cr) __________CHEM 112 (GN) (3 cr) __________CHEM 113 (GN) (1 cr)

CHEM 113 (GN) (1 cr)

GEOSC/BIOL 474 (3 cr)

MATH 140 (GQ) (4 cr)** ___________ MATH 141 (GQ) (4 cr) ______________

STAT 200 (GQ) (4 cr)*

ASTRO 401 (4 cr) __________ ASTRO 402 (3 cr) __________ ASTRO 320 (2 cr) __________

Select from ASTRO 001, 005, 006, or 291 (3 cr) ____________________ ( ) _________

Select from CMPSC 101, 121, 201, 202, or 203 (3-4 cr) ____________________ ( ) _________

Select from PHYS 211 or 250 (4 cr) ____________________ ( ) _________

Select from PHYS 212 or 251 (4 cr) ____________________ ( ) _________

Select from ASTRO 120*, 130*, 140* and 292 (9 cr)____________________ ( ) __________ ____________________ ( ) ______________________________ ( ) __________

Select from GEOSC 001*, GEOSC 020*, or EARTH 002* (3 cr) ____________________ ( ) _________

Select from EARTH 100, 103, 106, 150, 202, GEOG 160, GEOSC 201, 202, 203, 204, METEO 101, and METEO 201 (12 cr) ____________________ ( ) __________ ____________________ ( ) ______________________________ ( ) __________ ____________________ ( ) __________

Courses from the Advanced Elective list (9-12 cr)*** 50

____________________ ( ) ______________________________ ( ) ______________________________ ( ) ______________________________ ( ) __________

Supporting courses (ASTRO 020S recommended for first-year students) (11 cr)*** Note: Although the supporting courses are intended to be electives, there are a few

types of courses which may not be used in this category. See department list for additional information.____________________ ( ) __________

____________________ ( ) ______________________________ ( ) ______________________________ ( ) ______________________________ ( ) ______________________________ ( ) ______________________________ ( ) __________ ____________________ ( ) __________

CREDITS EARNED THAT DO NOT APPLY TOWARD GRADUATION____________________ ( ) ______________________________ ( ) __________

____________________ ( ) ______________________________ ( ) __________

*A grade of C or better is required in four of these nine courses.**A grade of C or better is required for this course.**A total of 6 credits from these two categories must come from 400-level courses.

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PASTR Major Advanced Elective List:

Recommended for all students

(continued)

GEOSC 310 (4) ASTRO 410 (3)GEOSC 320 (3) ASTRO 414 (3)GEOSC 340 (3) ASTRO 440 (3)GEOSC 402Y IL(3) ASTRO 451 (3)GEOSC 416 (3) ASTRO 480 (3)GEOSC 419 (3) ASTRO 485 (3)GEOSC 422 (3) PHYS 213 GN(2)GEOSC 424 (3) PHYS 214 GN(2)GEOSC 434 (3) PHYS 237 (3)GEOSC 440 (3) GEOG 362 (3)GEOSC 454 (3) GEOG 363 (3)GEOSC 489 (4) GEOG 364 (3)

Students who specifically want the astrobiology minor

(continued)

ASTRO 420W (3) BIOL 405 (3)ASTRO 475W (3) BIOL 427 (3)METEO 466 (3) B M B 401 (3)BIOL 220W GN(3) B M B 402 (3)BIOL 230W GN(3) MICRB 201 (3)

Students who want to pursue teaching certificationSCI ED 411 (3)

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SCI ED 412 (3)PSYCH 412 (3)

53

DEPARTMENT OF ASTRONOMY & ASTROPHYSICS

Astronomy & Astrophysics Minor Checklist

Student Name ____________________ Current Major ______________________

Major Advisor _____________________ Minor Advisor _______________________

Requirements for the Minor in Astronomy & Astrophysics:

_______ ASTRO 291 (3) Astronomical Methods and the Solar System _______ ASTRO 292 (3) Astronomy of the Distant Universe

6 Credits of 400-Level ASTRO Courses: (except ASTRO 496)

_______ ASTRO 4_____(3) _______ ASTRO 4_____(1)_______ ASTRO 4_____(3) _______ ASTRO 4_____(3)

Choose from the following 400-level Astro courses:______ 400H (1) Honors Seminar______ 410 (3) Computational Astrophysics 414 (3) Stellar Structure and Evolution 420W (3) Planets and Planetary System Formation______ 440 (3) Introduction to Astrophysics______ 451 (3) Astronomical Techniques ______ 475W (3) Stars and Galaxies ______ 480 (3) Nebulae, Galaxies and Cosmology______ 485 (4) Introduction to High-Energy Astrophysics

6-7 Credits from the above list or the following:

______ Other ASTRO 4_____(3) _______ ASTRO 4_____(1)______ Other ASTRO 4_____(3) _______ ASTRO 4_____(3)

______ AERSP 308 (3) Mechanics of Fluid ______ AERSP 312 (3) Aerodynamics II (Fluid Mechanics)______ AERSP 492 (3) = EE 492 (3) Space Astronomy & Introduction to Space Science ______ GEOSC 474 (3) = BIOL 474 (3) Astrobiology______ GEOSC 481 (3) Solid Earth Planetary Geophysics______ METEO 466 (3) Planetary Atmosphere______ PHYS 458 (4) Intermediate Optics

54

DEPARTMENT OF ASTRONOMY & ASTROPHYSICS

Astrobiology Minor Checklist

Student Name ____________________ Current Major ______________________

Major Advisor _____________________ Minor Advisor _______________________

Requirements for the Astrobiology Minor: ______ BIOL/GEOSC 474 (3) AASTROBIOLOGY Prereqs: BIOL 110; CHEM 110

3 Credits from: ______ EARTH 002 (3) GAIA-THE EARTH SYSTEM ______ GEOSC 021 (3) EARTH AND LIFE: ORIGIN AND EVOLUTION

3 Credits from:______ ASTRO 140 (3) LIFE IN THE UNIVERSE Prereq: ASTRO 001 or ASTRO 010______ ASTRO 291 (3) ASTRONOMICAL METHODS AND THE SOLAR SYSTEM

Prereq: PHYS 211

3 Credits from: ______ GEOSC 204* (4) GEOBIOLOGY Prereqs: BIOL 110; GEOSC 001 or 020______ BIOL 427 (3) EVOLUTION Prereqs: BIOL 220W; BIOL 230W

6 Credits from:______ ASTRO 420W* (3) PLANETS & PLANETARY SYSTEM FORMATION

Prereq: ASTRO 292______ ASTRO 475W* (3) STARS AND GALAXIES Prereq: ASTRO 292 ______ BIOL 405 (3) MOLECULAR EVOLUTION Prereq: BIOL 222 or BIOL 230W ______ BMB 401 (2) GENERAL BIOCHEMISTRY Prereqs: CHEM 212;

BMB 251 or BIOL 230______ BMB 402 (3) GENERAL BIOCHEMISTRY Prereq: B M B 401 ______ GEOSC 419 (3) THE ORGANIC GEOCHEMISTRY OF NATURAL WATERS AND

SEDIMENTSPrereqs: CHEM 110; CHEM 112

______ GEOSC 416 (3) STABLE AND RADIOACTIVE ISOTOPES IN GEOSCIENCES: INTRODUCTION

Prereqs: CHEM 110, 111, 112, 113; GEOSC 001/020

______ METEO 466* (3) PLANETARY ATMOSPHERES Prereqs: MATH 141; PHYS 211 ______ MICRB 201* (3) INTRODUCTORY MICROBIOLOGY

Recommendations: Make sure you take ASTRO 420W or 475W as one of your ASTRO 4xx courses

55

Take BIOL 110 and GEOSC 001 or GEOSC 020 early on to satisfy prerequisites Take the minor courses

*Courses recommended for ASTRO majors

56

DEPARTMENT OF ASTRONOMY & ASTROPHYSICS

Planetary Science and Astronomy Minor Checklist

Student Name ____________________ Current Major ______________________

Major Advisor _____________________ Minor Advisor _______________________

Requirements for the Minor in Astronomy & Astrophysics:

_______ ASTRO 401 (4) Fundamentals of Planetary Science and Astronomy _______ ASTRO 402 (3) Astronomical Telescopes, Techniques, and Data Analysis

3 Credits of from the foundational ASTRO Courses:

_______ ASTRO _____ (3) or _______ ASTRO 010 (2) and ASTRO 011 (1)

Choose from the following 100- and 200-level Astro courses:______ 001 (3) Astronomical Universe______ 005 (3) The Sky and Planets______ 006 (3) Stars, Galaxies, and the Universe______ 010 (2) Elementary Astronomy and ______ 011 (1) Laboratory ______ 291 (3) Astronomical Methods and the Solar System

9 Credits from the following ASTRO COURSES:

______ Other ASTRO _____(3)) _______ ASTRO _____(3)

______ Other ASTRO _____(3) _______

______ 120 (3) The Big Bang Universe______ 130 (3) Black Holes in the Universe______ 140 (3) Life in the Universe______ 292 (3) Astronomy of the Distant Universe

57

58

Map Department of Astronomy & Astrophysics

525 Davey LabUniversity Park, PA 16802

Phone: (814) 865-0418Web: http://www.astro.psu.edu

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The Penn State University is committed to the policy that all persons shall have equal access to programs, facilities, admission and employment without regards to personal characteristics not related to ability, performance, or qualifications as determined by University policy or by state or federal authorities. The Penn State University does not discriminate against any person because of age, ancestry, color, disability or handicap, national origin, race, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status. Direct all inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policy to the Affirmative Action Director, The Pennsylvania State University, 201