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Introduction

Astronomy has played an important role in history. Its ideas pervade our inherited literature. An accurate knowledge of the skies made successful trade and commerce possible. In our day, the study of Astronomy with advanced and sophisticated instrumentation has opened up new dimensions in our comprehension of natural phenomena. We see perhaps to the edge of the universe, and find one that is not immutable, but changing and evolving in a manner unpredicted before our modern era. The astronomer of today must deal with physical realities of gravitational lenses, hyper-energetic quasars, mysterious gamma-ray bursters, gyrating pulsars, and black holes, and even with the possible existence of life like ours in other parts of our universe.

Several courses are offered to suit persons of diverse backgrounds and depths of interest. Three beginning courses (AST 101H, 201H, 210H) require no special skill or knowledge of Mathematics or other sciences. They develop our understanding of the universe in a qualitative way and in terms of natural laws familiar to us on Earth. The other courses are designed for students of increasing scientific sophistication

In some of these courses, the objective is to provide for personal involvement by the student. This is achieved by the use of telescopes on the St. George Campus roof-top observatory by day as well as by night. A visit to the David Dunlap Observatory may also be arranged. Motion pictures, slides, and lecture demonstrations are used extensively.

Undergraduate Secretary:

Dr. C.M. Clement (978-2204)

Enquiries:

McLennan Physical Laboratories, Room 1403 (978-2016)

ASTRONOMY PROGRAMS

Enrolment in the Astronomy programs requires completion of four courses; no minimum GPA is required.

ASTRONOMY (B.Sc.)

Major program (B.Sc):
(8 full courses or their equivalent)

First Year:
MAT 135Y/137Y; PHY 138Y/140Y

Second Year:

1. AST 221H, 222H; MAT 235Y/237Y
2. Two of PHY 225H, 251H, 252H, 255H, 256H

Third Year:

1. AST 320H, 325H
2. One course from: CSC 336H, 350H, 351H, 418H, 456H, 457H; ECE 385H; PHY 305H, 307H/308H, 315H, 351H, 352H, 353H, 355H, 357H, 358H, 359H
3. One additional course in APM/AST/CSC/MAT/PHY/STA

Minor program (B.Sc):
(4 full courses or their equivalent)
1. AST 221H, 222H, 320H, 325H
2. PHY 138Y/140Y
3. Two of PHY 225H, 251H, 252H, 255H, 256H

ASTRONOMY AND PHYSICS (B.Sc.) Consult Departments of Astronomy and Physics.

Specialist program (Hon.B.Sc):
(14 full courses or their equivalent, including at least one 400-series course)

First Year:
MAT 137Y, 223H/240H; PHY 140Y

Second Year:
AST 221H, 222H; MAT 237Y, 244H; PHY 251H, 255H, 256H

Third Year:
APM 346H; AST 320H, 325H; MAT 334H; PHY 225H, 252H, 351H, 355H

Fourth Year:
AST 420H, 425H; PHY 352H, 353H, 357H/358H/359H, 457H, 459H/460H/483H
NOTE: Students graduating after three years may be certified in the Major Program in Astronomy.

PLANETARY SCIENCES SPECIALIST PROGRAM — See PLANETARY SCIENCES