Astrophysical and Planetary Sciences

The undergraduate major has two tracks—one in general astronomy and one in astrophysics/physics (see the website at aps.colorado.edu).

The track in general astronomy is designed to meet student needs for basic, undergraduate training in space sciences (astronomy, astrophysics, planetary sciences, and space physics). Undergraduates are prepared for both academic research assistant careers and the industrial market (aerospace, computer software, instrumentation, and other technical areas) as well as for science education, science journalism, and space policy. This track provides a liberal arts degree in the science of astronomy, observations, and technology as well as core training in astronomical sciences and mathematics, applied physics, and computational and instrumental technology for professions in the space sciences. The track can focus on observations (ground-based telescopes, rocket probes, space-borne observatories) or on K–12 science education, for which astronomy provides excellent science content for motivating young students. It also offers broad training for careers in science policy and science writing.

The bachelor’s degree track in astrophysics/physics is directed toward students interested in pursuing graduate studies in astrophysics by focusing on multidisciplinary work in physics and mathematics together with astronomy. Graduates are provided with scientific and technological training in the space sciences, including mathematical, physical, computational, and instrumental expertise. An honors thesis or other research work is encouraged.

Specific goals for both programs are to provide:

  • both theoretical and practical knowledge of astronomy and astrophysics at a level comparable to the best programs at other major U.S. public institutions. The Department of Astrophysical and Planetary Sciences is one of the few programs that combines both astrophysics and planetary science, providing a unified view of space sciences, the solar system and comparative planetology, stellar and galactic astronomy, and cosmology. 
  • courses and significant hands-on experience with telescopes, optics, instrumentation, as well as data analysis and image processing and numeric modeling. These skills are useful for students wishing to pursue graduate degrees or careers in aerospace, technical, or computer industries.
  • opportunities for faculty-advised research and senior (honors) theses.

Course code for this program is ASTR.