Prepare students for entry into the competitive science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) workplace with a minor in Astrophysics. You will develop technical skills and problem-solving experiences that expand the tools used in the modern, high-technology world.
Astrophysics studies the origin, growth, and ultimate fate of the Universe. It encompasses physical law at the largest scales:
- Planets in the Solar System
- Planets around other stars
- Massive black holes in the center of galaxies
- Galaxies and the stars that populate them
Astrophysics unifies discoveries from many sciences including physics, chemistry, and biology using techniques in statistics, data mining, and applied mathematics.
The minor is intended for anyone interested in the mathematical basis of astronomy. It is especially relevant for engineering and physics students who will need a basic understanding of the physics of the Universe in their future careers. It is also suitable for students who intend to pursue careers in areas that may benefit from a technical knowledge of astronomy, such as science writing, scientific journalism, or science teaching in schools.