Astronomy

Program Advisor

Mark Shroyer, Physics

Astronomy at Knox explores our most fundamental questions: What is the universe made of? How did the universe begin, and how does it evolve? Although it is among the most ancient of disciplines, astronomy is now one of the hottest fields of science with some of the most important unsolved problems, as exemplified by the current attempts underway to investigate the nature of dark matter and to understand the accelerating expansion of the universe. A minor in astronomy together with a major in the physical sciences or mathematics would be a strong preparation for students interested in a career path in astronomy or astrophysics, in pursuing graduate studies in astronomy or astrophysics, or for students with an interest in secondary education in the sciences. Apart from professional objectives, a minor in astronomy is appropriate for anyone interested in learning about humankind's quest for a scientific understanding of nature at its most fundamental level.

Course offerings include introductory courses in astronomy and exobiology, an upper-level laboratory-based course in observational astronomy, and upper-level courses in astrophysics and cosmology. Some background in general physics (included in the minor requirements) and mathematics is needed to complete the upper-level courses. Department facilities include multiple telescopes with photometric and spectroscopic instrumentation and the Knox Astronomical Observatory on the roof of the Umbeck Science and Mathematics Center. Hands-on experience with research-grade equipment is a key aspect of learning astronomy, which is provided to all students undertaking a minor in Astronomy.

Departmental Learning Goals

Students with an Astronomy minor will be able to:

1. Understand, describe, and analyze a range of astronomical phenomena, at scales ranging from planetary to galactic and extragalactic.
2. Make use of the mathematical and physical theories that form the basis of modern astronomy.
3. Carry out observational projects in astronomy using appropriate computational and statistical tools for the analysis of data.

Requirements for the Minor