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Astronomy
In the College of Sciences
Office: Physics/Astronomy 210
Telephone: (619) 594-6182
Fax: (619) 594-1413
Emeritus: Nelson
Chair: Angione
Professors: Angione (Director of Mt. Laguna Observatory), Daub, Etzel, Shafter, Young, A.
Associate Professors: May, Talbert
Adjunct: Cheng, Hintzen, Hood, Kovach, Olson, Young, A.T.
Master of Science degree in astronomy.
Major in astronomy with the B.A. degree in liberal arts and sciences.
Major in astronomy with the B.S. degree in applied arts and sciences.
Minor in astronomy.
Will the universe expand forever? Is there life on other planets? How are stars formed? These are the types of questions being addressed by students majoring in astronomy. Some areas of study in astronomy include the sun, the solar system, the stars, the Milky Way, the galaxies, and cosmology.
SDSU is the only institution in The California State University system which offers a complete academic program in astronomy. Students actively participate in all phases of observational astronomical research.
Joint faculty and student research activities are principally in the area of observational astrophysics. These include ongoing investigations of cosmology, eclipsing binary stars, low mass stars, planetary nebulae, galactic clusters, exterior galaxies, and atmospheric physics.
Much of this work is done at the Mount Laguna Observatory operated by the University. The department also has excellent computer facilities.
Graduates with a bachelor's degree may find some positions in observatories and large astronomy departments. These jobs support continuing research and include telescope operators, instrument makers, opticians, electronic technicians, programmers, photographers, and laboratory technicians.
Employment opportunities for astronomers who have advanced degrees include positions in colleges and universities, in national observatories and government laboratories, in planetariums, and in industry and private companies.
All candidates for a degree in liberal arts and sciences must complete the graduation requirements listed in the section of this catalog on "Graduation Requirements." No more than 48 units in astronomy courses can apply to the degree.
A minor is not required with this major.
Preparation for the Major. Astronomy 205; Mathematics 150, 151, and 252; Physics 195, 195L, 196, 196L, 197, 197L. (28 units)
Recommended: Chemistry 200, Engineering 120 or Computer Science 106.
Foreign Language Requirement. Competency (equivalent to that which is normally attained through three consecutive semesters of college study) is required in one foreign language as part of the preparation for the major. Refer to the section of this catalog on "Graduation Requirements."
Upper Division Writing Requirement. Passing the University Writing Examination or completing one of the approved writing courses with a grade of C (2.0) or better.
Major. A minimum of 27 upper division units in astronomy and physics to include Astronomy 340, 350, 440, 450; Mathematics 342A; Physics 350, 354A; and six units selected with the approval of the astronomy undergraduate adviser. Recommended: Astronomy 320; Physics 354B, 400A, 406, 460.
All candidates for a degree in applied arts and sciences must complete the graduation requirements listed in the section of this catalog on "Graduation Requirements."
Preparation for the Major. Astronomy 205; Physics 195, 195L, 196, 196L, 197, 197L. (15 units)
Recommended: Chemistry 200, Engineering 120 or Computer Science 106.
Upper Division Writing Requirement. Passing the University Writing Examination or completing one of the approved writing courses with a grade of C (2.0) or better.
Major. A minimum of 36 upper division units in astronomy and physics to include Astronomy 340, 350, 440, 450, 498A, 498B; Physics 350, 354A, 400A, 460; and nine units selected from Astronomy 320; Physics 311, 354B, 400B, 406, 510.
Minor in Mathematics. All candidates for the B.S. degree in astronomy must complete a minor in mathematics, to include Mathematics 150, 151, 252, 342A; and six additional upper division units of electives in mathematics. Recommended: Mathematics 342B, 541, 551A.
The minor in astronomy consists of a minimum of 15 units to include Astronomy 101 or 205 and 12 upper division units selected from Astronomy 301, 320*, 340*, 350*, 440*, 450*.
Courses in the minor may not be counted toward the major, but may be used to satisfy preparation for the major and general education requirements, if applicable. A minimum of six upper division units must be completed in residence at San Diego State University.
101. Principles of Astronomy (3) I, II
Nature of the universe: the solar system, stars, galaxies, and remote universe.
109. Astronomy Laboratory (1) I, II
Three hours of laboratory.
Prerequisite: Credit or concurrent registration in Astronomy 101.
Demonstration of astronomical principles through observations with astronomical instruments and analysis of astronomical data.
205. Modern Astronomical History (3)
Prerequisite: Physics 195.
Discoveries, advancements, and individuals of the last century that have had a major influence on current astronomical conceptions and practices.
296. Experimental Topics (1-4)
Selected topics. May be repeated with new content. See Class Schedule for specific content. Limit of nine units of any combination of 296, 496, 596 courses applicable to a bachelor's degree.
301. Cosmology and Gravitational Collapse (3)
Prerequisite: Completion of the General Education requirement in
Foundations II. A.1. Physical Sciences.
Einstein's theory of general relativity applied to problems of gravitational collapse (stellar evolution, neutron stars, black holes) and cosmology (origin and evolution of the universe).
320. Solar System Astronomy (3)
Prerequisites: Astronomy 101 and Physics 197, 197L.
Structures of the planets, their atmospheres and satellite systems, asteroids, comets, and meteoroids, and the interplanetary medium, including the sun's influence in the system.
340. Spherical Astronomy (3) I
Prerequisites: Credit or concurrent registration in Mathematics 252
and Physics 197.
Problems in spherical astronomy, astronomical coordinate systems, time, general precession, and introduction to astrometry.
350. Astronomical Techniques (3) II
Prerequisite: Astronomy 340.
Data acquisition and data reduction for current instrumentation including photoelectric photometry, direct imaging, and spectroscopy. Techniques for obtaining precise measurements.
440. Astrophysics of Stars (3) I
Prerequisites: Credit or concurrent registration in Mathematics
342A and Physics 354A.
Radiative transfer theory, atmospheres of stars and the emergent spectrum, interior structure and evolution of stars, stellar pulsations.
450. Astrophysics of Star Systems (3) II
Prerequisites: Credit or concurrent registration in Mathematics
342A and Physics 354A.
Applications of physics in study of binary stars, star clusters, the interstellar medium and galactic structure, galaxies, and cosmology.
498A. Senior Project (1) I, II
Prerequisite: An acceptable master plan for graduation within one
year.
Selection and design of individual projects.
498B. Senior Project (2) I, II
Six hours of laboratory.
Prerequisite: Astronomy 498A.
Individual research project culminating in a final written report.
499. Special Study (1-3) I, II
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
Individual study. Maximum credit six units.
596. Advanced Topics in Astronomy (2 or 3) I, II
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
Selected topics in theoretical astronomy or astrophysics. May be repeated with new content upon approval of instructor. See Class Schedule for specific content. Limit of nine units of any combination of 296, 496, 596 courses applicable to a bachelor's degree. Maximum credit of six units of 596 applicable to a bachelor's degree. Maximum combined credit of six units of 596 and 696 applicable to a 30-unit master's degree.
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