Introduction

† Cross-appointed

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 Coordinator:

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

Enquiries:

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

ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS PROGRAMS

ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS (B.Sc.)

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

First Year:
MAT 135Y1/137Y1; PHY 138Y1/140Y1

Second Year:

1. AST 221H1, 222H1; MAT 235Y1/237Y1
2. Two of PHY 225H1, 251H1, 252H1, 255H1, 256H1

Third Year:

1. AST 320H1, 325H1
2. One course from: CSC 336H1, 350H1, 351H1, 418H1, 456H1, 457H1; ECE 385H1; PHY 305H1, 307H1/308H1, 315H1, 351H1, 352H1, 353H1, 355H1, 357H1, 358H1, 359H1
3. One additional course in APM/AST/CSC/MAT/PHY/STA

Minor program (B.Sc):
(4 full courses or their equivalent)
1. AST 221H1, 222H1, 320H1, 325H1
2. PHY 138Y1/140Y1
3. Two of PHY 225H1, 251H1, 252H1, 255H1, 256H1

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 137Y1, 223H1/240H1; PHY 140Y1

Second Year:
AST 221H1, 222H1; MAT 237Y1, 244H1; PHY 251H1, 255H1, 256H1

Third Year:

1. APM 346H1; AST 320H1, 325H1; PHY 225H1, 252H1, 351H1, 355H1
2. One of MAT 224H1, 327H1, 334H1, 363H1; STA 257H1

Fourth Year:

1. AST 420H1, 425H1; PHY 352H1, 353H1
2. One half course from each of groups A and B
3. One additional half course from either group A, group B or group C

Group A: PHY 357H1, 358H1, 359H1

Group B: PHY 457H1, 459H1, 460H1, 483H1, 484H1

Group C: PHY 407H1, 408H1, 409H1

PLANETARY SCIENCES SPECIALIST PROGRAM — See PLANETARY SCIENCES