Twin Cities campus

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Twin Cities Campus

Astrophysics Minor

Astrophysics, Minnesota Institute for
College of Liberal Arts
  • Program Type: Undergraduate minor related to major
  • Requirements for this program are current for Spring 2016
  • Required credits in this minor: 27 to 29
Students in the minor learn the physical principles underlying study of the solar system, stars, galaxy, and universe, as well as the methodology behind observations and conclusions.
Program Delivery
This program is available:
  • via classroom (the majority of instruction is face-to-face)
Minor Requirements
Students may complete no more than one degree in the Astrophysics program: a B.A. or a B.S. or a minor.
Math
MATH 1271 - Calculus I [MATH] (4.0 cr)
or MATH 1371 - CSE Calculus I [MATH] (4.0 cr)
or MATH 1571H - Honors Calculus I [MATH] (4.0 cr)
MATH 1272 - Calculus II (4.0 cr)
or MATH 1372 - CSE Calculus II (4.0 cr)
or MATH 1572H - Honors Calculus II (4.0 cr)
Physics
PHYS 1301W - Introductory Physics for Science and Engineering I [PHYS, WI] (4.0 cr)
or PHYS 1401V - Honors Physics I [PHYS, WI] (4.0 cr)
PHYS 1302W - Introductory Physics for Science and Engineering II [PHYS, WI] (4.0 cr)
or PHYS 1402V - Honors Physics II [PHYS, WI] (4.0 cr)
PHYS 2303 - Physics III: Physics of Matter (4.0 cr)
or PHYS 2503 - Physics III: Intro to Waves, Optics, and Special Relativity (4.0 cr)
or PHYS 2403H {Inactive} (4.0 cr)
Minor Courses
AST 2001 - Fundamental Astrophysics (4.0 cr)
Take 1 or more course(s) from the following:
· AEM 4301 - Orbital Mechanics (3.0 cr)
· AEM 4501 - Aerospace Structures (3.0 cr)
· PHYS 3022 - Introduction to Cosmology (3.0 cr)
· PHYS 4051 - Methods of Experimental Physics I (5.0 cr)
· EE 3601 - Transmission Lines, Fields, and Waves (3.0 cr)
· ESCI 3006 - Rocks and Stars: Introduction to Planetary Science (3.0 cr)
· ESCI 3303W - Geochemical Principles [WI] (4.0 cr)
· MATH 3283W - Sequences, Series, and Foundations: Writing Intensive [WI] (4.0 cr)
· ME 3324 - Introduction to Thermal Science (3.0 cr)
· AST 4xxx
· AST 5xxx
 
More program views..
View college catalog(s):
· College of Liberal Arts
View future requirement(s):
· Fall 2022
· Fall 2020
· Fall 2018
· Fall 2016


View checkpoint chart:
· Astrophysics Minor
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MATH 1271 - Calculus I (MATH)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: Math 1271/Math 1381/Math 1571/
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Differential calculus of functions of a single variable, including polynomial, rational, exponential, and trig functions. Applications, including optimization and related rates problems. Single variable integral calculus, using anti-derivatives and simple substitution. Applications may include area, volume, work problems. prereq: 4 yrs high school math including trig or satisfactory score on placement test or grade of at least C- in [1151 or 1155]
MATH 1371 - CSE Calculus I (MATH)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: Math 1271/Math 1381/Math 1571/
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Differentiation of single-variable functions, basics of integration of single-variable functions. Applications: max-min, related rates, area, curve-sketching. Use of calculator, cooperative learning. prereq: CSE or pre-bioprod concurrent registration is required (or allowed) in biosys engn (PRE), background in [precalculus, geometry, visualization of functions/graphs], instr consent; familiarity with graphing calculators recommended
MATH 1571H - Honors Calculus I (MATH)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: Math 1271/Math 1381/Math 1571/
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall
Differential/integral calculus of functions of a single variable. Emphasizes hard problem-solving rather than theory. prereq: Honors student and permission of University Honors Program
MATH 1272 - Calculus II
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: Math 1272/Math 1282/Math 1372/
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Techniques of integration. Calculus involving transcendental functions, polar coordinates. Taylor polynomials, vectors/curves in space, cylindrical/spherical coordinates. prereq: [1271 or equiv] with grade of at least C-
MATH 1372 - CSE Calculus II
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: Math 1272/Math 1282/Math 1372/
Typically offered: Every Spring
Techniques of integration. Calculus involving transcendental functions, polar coordinates, Taylor polynomials, vectors/curves in space, cylindrical/spherical coordinates. Use of calculators, cooperative learning. prereq: Grade of at least C- in [1371 or equiv], CSE or pre-Bioprod/Biosys Engr
MATH 1572H - Honors Calculus II
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: Math 1272/Math 1282/Math 1372/
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Continuation of 1571. Infinite series, differential calculus of several variables, introduction to linear algebra. prereq: 1571H (or equivalent) honors student
PHYS 1301W - Introductory Physics for Science and Engineering I (PHYS, WI)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: Phys 1201W/1301W/1401V/1501V
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Use of fundamental principles to solve quantitative problems. Motion, forces, conservation principles, structure of matter. Applications to mechanical systems. Prereq or Concurrent: MATH 1271/1371/1371H or equivalent
PHYS 1401V - Honors Physics I (PHYS, WI)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: Phys 1201W/1301W/1401V/1501V
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall
Comprehensive, calculus-level general physics. Emphasizes use of fundamental principles to solve quantitative problems. Description of motion, forces, conservation principles. Structure of matter, with applications to mechanical systems. Prereq: Honors program or with permission, Prereq or Concurrent: MATH 1271/1371/1571H or equivalent
PHYS 1302W - Introductory Physics for Science and Engineering II (PHYS, WI)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: Phys 1202W/1302W/1402V/1502V
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Use of fundamental principles to solve quantitative problems. Motion, forces, conservation principles, fields, structure of matter. Applications to electromagnetic phenomena. Prereq: PHYS 1301 or equivalent, Prereq or Concurrent: MATH 1272/1372/1572H or equivalent
PHYS 1402V - Honors Physics II (PHYS, WI)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: Phys 1202W/1302W/1402V/1502V
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Spring
Fundamental principles to solve quantitative problems. Description of motion, forces, conservation principles, fields. Structure of matter, with applications to electro-magnetic phenomena. Honors program or with permission, PHYS 1401V or equivalent, Prereq or CC: MATH 1272/1372/1572H or equivalent
PHYS 2303 - Physics III: Physics of Matter
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: Phys 2303/2403H/2503/2503H
Typically offered: Every Spring
Thermodynamics, mechanical/electromagnetic waves, optics, quantum theory. Applications of quantum nature of solids. prereq: 1302, [MATH 1272 or MATH 1372 or MATH 1572H], [MatSci or EE] student
PHYS 2503 - Physics III: Intro to Waves, Optics, and Special Relativity
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: Phys 2303/2403H/2503/2503H
Typically offered: Every Fall
Third semester of introductory physics. Mechanical/electromagnetic waves, optics, special relativity. prereq: 1302W or equivalent
AST 2001 - Fundamental Astrophysics
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Physical principles and study of solar system, stars, galaxy, and universe. How observations/conclusions are made. prereq: [One yr calculus, PHYS 1302] or instr consent
AEM 4301 - Orbital Mechanics
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
The two-body problem. Earth-satellite operations, rocket performance, reentry dynamics, space environments, interplanetary trajectories. Numerical simulations. Design project. prereq: [2012 or equiv], [MATH 2373 or equiv], [CSE upper div or grad student]
AEM 4501 - Aerospace Structures
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
Advanced strength of materials analysis of elastic structures with aerospace applications; failure modes and criteria, buckling, matrix methods for analysis, plane truss design; energy and Castigliano methods for statically determinate and indeterminate structures; torsion and bending of asymmetrical thin-walled sections. Design project. prereq: CSE upper div or grad, 3031 or equiv
PHYS 3022 - Introduction to Cosmology
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Spring Odd Year
Large-scale structure and history of universe. Dark matter, cosmic microwave background. Newtonian/relativistic world models. Physics of early universe. Cosmological tests. Prereq: PHYS 2601
PHYS 4051 - Methods of Experimental Physics I
Credits: 5.0 [max 5.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall
Contemporary experimental techniques. Introduction to modern analog and digital electronics from an experimental viewpoint. Use of computers for data acquisition and experimental control. Statistics of data analysis. Prereq or Concurrent PHYS 3605W, PHYS 3041
EE 3601 - Transmission Lines, Fields, and Waves
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Properties of transmission lines, electrostatics, magnetostatics, and electromagnetic waves in unbounded space. Guides, cavities, radiation theory, antennas. prereq: [2015, [Math 2374 or Math 2263 or Math 2574H or Math 3584H], [Phys 1302 or Phys 1402], CSE] or dept consent
ESCI 3006 - Rocks and Stars: Introduction to Planetary Science
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Spring Even Year
ESCI 3006 is designed for students without strong backgrounds in math or physical sciences that are interested in an introductory level survey of planetary science. Students with stronger backgrounds in earth or other physical sciences may also find much of interest, although the approach will be largely non-quantitative. The course will introduce undergraduate students to the dazzling variety of worlds in our solar system and illustrate how many of the planetary scale systems of the Earth compare and contrast to those of other planets. The course will also consider the dynamical and chemical processes that lead to the origin of our solar system and Earth. Additionally, we will also survey recent exciting observations and discoveries of exoplanets, including consideration of how the diversity of other solar systems aids understanding of our own. The physical and chemical principles underlying planetary processes will be a unifying theme of the course. The course will take advantage of the many resources made available by planetary exploration missions, including those producing the most recent new observations. Owing to the fast-moving pace of discovery in planetary science the curricular content will be and updated each time the course is taught. prereq: An interest in the solar system and planets.
ESCI 3303W - Geochemical Principles (WI)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall
Origin of elements (nucleosynthesis, elemental abundances). Geochemical classifications. Isotopes (radioactive, stable). Phase equilibria. Models of Earth's geochemical evolution. Basic geochemical processes that produced Earth's lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere. prereq: [concurrent registration is required (or allowed) in CHEM 1061, concurrent registration is required (or allowed) in CHEM 1065] or instr consent
MATH 3283W - Sequences, Series, and Foundations: Writing Intensive (WI)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: Math 2283/3283W
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Introduction to reasoning used in advanced mathematics courses. Logic, mathematical induction, real number system, general/monotone/recursively defined sequences, convergence of infinite series/sequences, Taylor's series, power series with applications to differential equations, Newton's method. Writing-intensive component. prereq: [concurrent registration is required (or allowed) in 2243 or concurrent registration is required (or allowed) in 2263 or concurrent registration is required (or allowed) in 2373 or concurrent registration is required (or allowed) in 2374] w/grade of at least C-
ME 3324 - Introduction to Thermal Science
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Thermodynamics, heat transfer. Thermal properties of substances. First/second laws of thermodynamics. Steady/unsteady heat conduction. Thermal resistance concept. Convection heat transfer. Radiative heat transfer between solid surfaces. Boiling/condensation heat transfer. prereq: Chem 1061, Chem 1065, Math 2243 or Math 2373, Phys 1301, [CSE student]