LEARNING OBJECTIVES AND STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT GOALS
We expect that after completion of the astrophysics major, students will:
- Be inspired to continue and share their interest in astronomical advances and discoveries throughout their lives.
- Have a solid grounding in the underlying principles and important conceptual models from core subject areas of astronomy and physics and demonstrate their ability to correctly draw logical conclusions from these principles and models, enabling them to make accurate quantitative predictions in astronomical contexts.
- Understand and have experience using observational and experimental techniques in various areas of astronomy and physics, designing, obtaining, analyzing, and interpreting quantitative data.
- Demonstrate their ability to read, understand, and critically analyze the astronomical/physical concepts presented in textbooks and journal articles, as well as be familiar with the available information and data-archival resources.
- Demonstrate their ability to communicate information clearly, logically, and critically, both orally and in writing, and to make presentations.
- Recognize and understand the interdisciplinary aspects of astrophysics as it pertains to, e.g., planetary science, heliophysics, chemistry, and computer science.
- Demonstrate both understanding and the practical application of the ethical standards implicit in science, such as appropriate attribution and citation, good recordkeeping, and truthful, unbiased presentation of data and conclusions. Be fully prepared for graduate study in astronomy or physics and/or careers in scientifically oriented jobs in the public or private sector.
We expect that after completion of the astronomy major, students will:
- Be inspired to continue and share their interest in astronomical advances and discoveries throughout their lives.
- Have a solid grounding in many areas of modern astronomy and their basic underlying physical principles.
- Know about and understand the observed properties of physical systems that comprise the known universe, on various scales.
- Demonstrate the ability to design, make, analyze, and interpret quantitative observations of celestial objects.
- Demonstrate their ability to communicate information clearly, logically, and critically, both orally and in writing, and to make presentations.
- Recognize and understand the interdisciplinary aspects of astronomy as it pertains to, e.g., planetary science, heliophysics, chemistry, and computer science.
- Demonstrate both understanding and the practical application of the ethical standards implicit in science, such as appropriate attribution and citation, good recordkeeping, and truthful, unbiased presentation of data and conclusions.
- Be prepared for a variety of careers including science journalism, science teaching on the K-12 school levels, and other technical occupations.