- Degree Level
- Undergraduate
- Degrees Offered
- Minor
- Department
- Chemistry and Physics
- school/college
- College of Arts and Sciences
Minor in Astronomy
The Astronomy program at Arcadia University, housed in the Department of Chemistry and Physics utilizes Boyer Observatory, plays a role in the University’s mission to achieve excellence in education, research and public outreach. A minor program in astronomy is for students who wish to enlarge their potential for a career choice or who may be eager to learn more about astronomy than an introductory course can provide. As a student in Astronomy, you will:
- Analyze and explain the foundations of the large-scale properties and processes of the Universe. This includes Earth, Moon and Sun relationships, our solar system, stars and stellar evolution, galaxies and cosmology.
- Demonstrate the knowledge and technical skills to carry out observational astronomical activities. This will be assessed through their ability to properly use astronomical tools in assignments and research. Students will utilize their training in the use of astronomical tools such as telescopes and imaging devices to observationally study celestial objects, such as the Sun, the Moon, planets, and deep sky objects.
- Summarize and apply their understanding of the evolution of astronomy research and findings. This will include studying ancient astronomers from a variety of cultures around the world to current research in astronomy and space exploration missions.
- Participate in observational astronomy research projects. They will communicate their results and findings to the Arcadia community and beyond.
- Be engaged in astronomy outreach events. This will include students attending local astronomical society meetings, lectures, and workshops as well as participating in Arcadia University astronomy outreach experiences, such as campus star parties. These experiences will allow students to gather firsthand experiences and knowledge of current events in astronomy and observing as well as giving back to the Arcadia campus community during public events.
Featured Courses
Fundamental Concepts of Physics I
Required Course
Discover how the physical world works. This course introduces classical mechanics through real experiments and explores how key ideas in physics have shaped the way we understand the universe today.
Frontiers in Astronomy
Required Course
Explore the universe, from planets and stars to black holes and galaxies. You’ll dive into big questions about space, time, and life beyond Earth, while learning how scientists study the cosmos. Includes hands-on labs that bring astronomy to life.
Observational Astronomy
Required Course
Discover the tools and techniques that are used for observing and imaging objects in space. Learn the basics of the night sky and explore navigating the sky with the naked-eye, star charts, observational apps, and software. Explore various types of telescopes, camera, spectroscopes, and other observing tools. Find out how to process astronomical images and data and connect how data is used in observational astronomy research.
Introduction to Data Science with Python
Elective Course
Get hands-on with data using Python. You’ll learn to explore, clean, and visualize data, and use basic statistics and machine learning to find meaning in numbers. No computer science major required, just curiosity and a love of solving problems.
Star Gazing at the Observatory at Boyer Hall of Science
You can participate in the Active Astronomy Student Club's Star Parties and other astronomy themed events held at Arcadia's rooftop observatory.
