2001-2002 Calendar: Astronomy Program

AST Astronomy Program

Introduction

Since the launch of the Hubble Space Telescope in 1990 and the opening of a wide variety of major ground and space based sites for studying the universe across the entire electromagnetic spectrum, astronomers have been provided with an astonishing wealth of new information. From detailed studies of the Cosmic Microwave Background Radiation to the discovery of planets around other stars, from exploring the collisions of galaxies billions of years ago, to missions to the outer planets, astronomers are rapidly building a picture of the universe and the processes by which it is evolving with greater detail than ever before. The next decade may well provide answers to some of our most fundamental questions: Is the lifetime of our universe finite? Is there intelligent life elsewhere in the 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 practical 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. Audiovisual demonstrations are used extensively.

Undergraduate Secretary:

Dr. C.M. Clement (416-978-2204)

Enquiries:

McLennan Physical Laboratories, Room 1403 (416-978-2016)

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