For those seeking a second major rich in astronomy content
Major
The Interdisciplinary Astronomy (IDA) major is an ideal second major for students seeking to add astronomy content to their primary degree. It provides the solid scientific background needed for technical positions in astronomy or for careers like teaching, science writing, and outreach.
Students pursuing their primary degree in a science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) field can add an IDA major with little additional coursework. With appropriate advance planning, humanities students can use it to add a STEM focus to their degree.
The IDA major includes foundational courses in math and physics, but the requirements in these areas are less intensive than for the Academic Track. It is designed to be adapted to each student’s career goals; please meet with an advisor to learn how the IDA major can be customized for you.
Possible Programs
The following are examples of possible programs. Each program includes the prerequisites and requirements noted above, plus 15 credits from the student’s primary major. The IDA major is designed to be flexible, and course selection is tailored to students' goals and preferences in consultation with the astronomy advisor.
IDA with Physics
Physics 390 | Introduction to Modern Physics |
Physics 401 | Intermediate Mechanics |
Physics 406 | Statistical & Thermal Physics |
Physics 435 | Gravitational Physics |
Physics 457 | Particle Physics & Cosmology |
IDA with Mathematics
Math 354 | Fourier Analysis & Applications |
Math 404 | Intermediate Differential Equations |
Math 425 | Introduction to Probability |
Math 462 | Mathematical Models |
Math 471 | Introduction to Numerical Methods |
IDA with Science Writing
English 223 | Creative Writing |
English 225 | Academic Argumentation |
English 229 | Professional Writing |
English 301 | The Power of Words |
English 342 | Science Fiction |
IDA with Communications
Comm 121 | Evaluating Information & Analyzing Media |
Comm 281 | Media Psychology |
Comm 317 | Designing Persuasive Communication |
Comm 350 | Rise of Mass Culture |
IDA with Earth Sciences
Earth 205 | Earth: The Dynamic Planet |
Earth 310 | Geochemistry of the Solid Earth |
Earth 320 | Earth Systems Evolution |
Earth 370 | Solar-Terrestrial Relations |
Earth 420 | Introduction to Earth Physics |
IDA with Philosophy
Phil 303 | Introduction to Symbolic Logic |
Phil 320 | The World View of Modern Science |
Phil 420 | Philosophy of Science |
Phil 423 | Problems of Space & Time |
Phil 427 | Science & Gender |
IDA with Public Policy
Phil 320 | The World View of Modern Science |
Phil 322 | Methods of Science |
Pubpol 312 | Environmental Politics & Policy |
Pubpol 412 | Environmental Values in Public Policy |
Pubpol 481 | Physics & National Science Policy |
IDA with Chemistry
Chem 210 | Organic Chemistry I |
Chem 215 | Organic Chemistry II |
Chem 241 | Introduction to Chemical Analysis |
Chem 351 | Fundamentals of Biochemistry |
Chem 461 | Physical Chemistry I |
Minor
If you enjoy astronomy but don’t plan to major in it, an astronomy minor on the Interdisciplinary Track can be a great way to incorporate the field into your existing course of study. Because the physics demands are less intensive than on the Academic Track, it’s often easier for non-science majors to fit an Interdisciplinary Astronomy minor into their schedules. Students interested in this option should meet with an undergraduate advisor to develop a course plan tailored to their goals and interests.