College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Department of Physics and Astronomy

Astronomy / Astrophysics Track

Undergraduates planning careers in astronomy and astrophysics should obtain a solid foundation in physics and mathematics. The Butler physics major combined with the course work of our astronomy minor, will provide a sufficient foundation in physics and math for those planning a graduate program in astronomy. Specifically, a student planning to go on to graduate school in astronomy and astrophysics should have physics courses covering mechanics, electricity and magnetism, atomic and nuclear physics, thermodynamics, statistical mechanics, and quantum theory.

Computer science, too, permeates all facets of astronomy and astrophysics today. In recent years, supercomputers have allowed astronomers to simulate processes that before were nearly impossible to study. The Butler program gives students a good grounding in computer science, and therefore, will benefit prospective astronomers, especially those considering a specialty in theoretical astronomy. On the observational side of astronomy Butler has the robotic 38-inch Cassegrain telescope at Holcomb Observatory. Students receive hands on training in course work and research using the fiber-optic spectrograph and CCD imaging camera at the observatory.

In addition, a good scientist must also have the ability to read and write clearly and to communicate well with people, often across cultural boundaries. Butler University provides a wide range of courses within the college of Liberal Arts and Sciences which will help students meet with these needs.

Requirements for Astronomy Minor

AS 102 Modern Astronomy with Laboratory
PH 201, 202 Introduction to Analytical Physics
AS 301 Modern Astronomical Techniques
AS 311 Astrophysics I (planetary, stellar astronomy,& interstellar medium)
AS 312 Astrophysics II (galactic astronomy, galaxies, & cosmology)

Recommended: AS 461 Computational Astrophysics
AS 491 Undergraduate Research
AS 495 Senior Seminar

For those pursuing a career in astronomy and astrophysics this would be added to the physics degree. These course would meet the elective requirements for the physics major. Particular regard should be given to the mathematics and physics prerequisites for these astronomy courses. Those courses listed at the 300 level or higher will require calculus and physics. To see a typical sequence of courses for a student, please review the Astrophysics Track (WORD document).