Astronomy/Planetary Sciences, BS

Required Astronomy Courses:

• AST 203 - Astronomy 4 credits

Required Physics Courses:

• PHY 131 - Classical Physics I 3 credits (See Note 1)
• PHY 133 - Classical Physics Laboratory I 1 credit (See Note 1)
• PHY 132 - Classical Physics II 3 credits (See Note 1)
• PHY 134 - Classical Physics Laboratory II 1 credit (See Note 1)
• PHY 251 - Modern Physics 3 credits
• PHY 252 - Modern Physics Laboratory 1 credit
• PHY 277 - Computation for Physics and Astronomy 3 credits
• PHY 300 - Waves and Optics 4 credits
• PHY 306 - Thermodynamics, Kinetic Theory, and Statistical Mechanics 3 credits

Astronomy-Related Courses

Eight credits of astronomy-related courses that complement an astronomy major’s education are required. The intent is to add courses, especially in other quantitative sciences, which prepare the student for successful employment in research, education or industry. Any course beyond those required for the astronomy major that is required by the student’s minor, second major or master’s degree (for students in a combined degree program) is automatically included in the list of related courses. Additional related courses are listed under the related courses for the physics major (except the AST courses). Any course at the 300-level or above on this list may be used. In addition any physics course at the 300-level or above not required for the astronomy major may also be used.

Mathematics Requirements:

If students do not place into MAT 125  or MAT 131  on the basis of the math placement examination, MAT 123  (or MAT 119 /MAT 123 ) is a required course for the major.

• MAT 131 - Calculus I 4 credits (See Note 2 below)
• MAT 132 - Calculus II 4 credits (See Note 2 below)

Upper-Division Writing Requirement:

Students are certified as satisfying the upper-division writing requirement by registering for the 0-credit AST 459  and completing writing projects within their major. All students majoring in Astronomy/ Planetary Sciences must submit two papers (term papers or independent research papers) to the Astronomy coordinator for Department evaluation by the end of the junior year. If this evaluation is satisfactory, the student will have fulfilled the upper- division writing requirement. Papers should be written in the form of a journal article. All papers must consist of an abstract, introduction, main content, and references. References should be cited throughout the text. Any figures should be numbered and have an appropriate caption. If you are using a lab report for the basis of this requirement, you should expand upon the introduction and describe the connection to topical scientific research.

A typical length should be 10 pages (double spaced, 11-point font) plus references, preferably written in LaTeX.

Students should consult with the department advisor to ensure that their plan for completing the Upper Division Writing Requirement is consistent with university graduation requirements for General Education. Students completing the Stony Brook Curriculum (SBC) must complete a course that satisfies the “Write Effectively within One’s Discipline” (WRTD) learning objective to graduate. The Upper Division Writing Requirement is consistent in most cases with the SBC learning outcomes for WRTD.

Notes:

1. The following physics courses are alternatives to PHY 131 /PHY 133  + labs PHY 132 /PHY 134  (collectively called the PHY 131 -Sequence): PHY 125 , PHY 126 , PHY 127 , with labs PHY 133  and PHY 134  (collectively called the PHY 125 -Sequence) or PHY 141 /PHY 133  and PHY 142 /PHY 134  (Collectively called the PHY 141 -Sequence).
2. The following alternate beginning calculus sequences may be substituted for MAT 131 , MAT 132  in major requirements or prerequisites: MAT 125  (or MAT 130 /MAT 125 ), MAT 126 , MAT 127  or MAT 141, MAT 142 or MAT 171. Equivalency for MAT courses achieved by earning the appropriate score on the Mathematics Placement Examination will be accepted as fulfillment of the requirement without the necessity of substituting other credits. For detailed information about the various calculus sequences, see the alphabetical listing for Mathematics, especially “Beginning Mathematics Courses,” and the course descriptions.

Astronomy/Planetary Sciences Honors Program

Students in the Astronomy/Planetary Sciences major who have maintained a cumulative grade point average of 3.30 through the junior year in courses required for the major may apply to the Department to become candidates for Departmental honors in astronomy/planetary sciences.

In addition to the academic program, the student must complete an honors thesis while enrolled in AST 447  or AST 487 . The thesis is evaluated by a committee composed of the student’s advisor and two other science faculty members including one from outside of the Department. If the honors program is completed with distinction and the student has maintained a minimum 3.30 grade point average in all coursework in natural sciences and mathematics, honors are conferred.