Overview

Calvin's astronomy minor is a 21-hour program designed to complement a variety of majors. The program is often paired with a major in physics or general science. As a student in this program, you will have a cutting-edge astronomical observatory available for your coursework and research.

Careers in Astronomy

As a graduate of this program, you might find work as a:

• Astronaut
• Telescope operator
• Planetarium director
• Researcher at NASA
• Science journalist
• More career opportunities

See job placement rates for Calvin grads.

Student involvement

Work in the Calvin Astronomical Observatory; write for the Science and Technology section in Chimes.

Course Requirements 2011-12

Astronomy

Students interested in a career in astronomy or astrophysics should major in physics, minor in astronomy, and plan their program with D. Haarsma or L. Molnar. The local and remote telescopes and cameras of the Calvin Observatory are available for student use through the director of the observatory.

The physical world core requirement may be met by:

• ASTR-110 Planets, Stars, and Galaxies
• ASTR-111 The Solar System
• ASTR-112 Stars, Galaxies, and the Universe
• One course from:
  • ASTR-211 Planetary and Stellar Astronomy
  • ASTR-212 Galactic Astronomy and Cosmology

The minor in astronomy has the following course requirements (At least 21 semester hours):

• PHYS-133 Introductory Physics: Mechanics/Gravity
• PHYS-134 Matter, Space, and Energy
• ASTR-211 Planetary & Stellar Astronomy
• ASTR-212 Galactic Astronomy & Cosmology
• PHYS-246 Waves, Optics, and Optical Technology
• ASTR-384 Modern Observational Astronomy
• ASTR-395 Astronomy Research, Writing & Presentation

Students pursuing a physics major and astronomy minor must follow college guidelines for overlap between a major and a minor; this is facilitated by the option in the physics major of substituting upper-level courses for introductory ones.

Scholarships

Dollar amounts reflect awards given for the 2010-11 academic year.

Roger D. Griffioen Physics and Astronomy Scholarship

• award amount: $1,850
• first-year
• GPA 2.5+
• financial need not required
• prospective students apply through the Physics Department; automatic consideration for returning students

Faculty