The minor in astronomy will help prepare UW-Stevens Point students for entry into the competitive science, technology, engineering and mathematics workplace. The minor complements any science major, which can give students an advantage securing employment in education, industry, science museums and observatories, among other potential employers.

OBSERVATIONAL ASTRONOMY

The program includes in its core courses a new Observational Astronomy class that takes advantage of the Arthur J. Pejsa Observatory, located in our Science Building. UWSP is the second comprehensive UW institution to offer such a program.

According to Professor Brad Hinaus, “The astronomy minor provides students the opportunity to explore some of the most exciting topics in modern-age science, from the feasibility of colonizing Mars to the discovery of habitable planets orbiting other stars, from the exotic black holes lurking at the cores of large galaxies to the elusive neutrinos and gravitational waves that expand our view into the universe. Students minoring in astronomy gain exposure to the principles of astronomy, physics and mathematics. They learn to think critically and evaluate, interpret and solve problems related to the astronomical, as well as other technical and general scientific topics.”

In addition to the Pejsa Observatory, students will also use the Allen F. Blocher Planetarium, which is used as an immersive instructional tool for most astronomy courses required to complete the minor.

The astronomy minor consists of a minimum of 24 credits. For more information visit the UW-Stevens Point course catalog.

• PHYS 203  – College Physics I (5 cr.)  or  PHYS 240 – University Physics I (5 cr.)
• PHYS 204  – College Physics II (5 cr.)  or  PHYS 250 – University Physics II (5 cr.)
• ASTR 205 – The Solar System (4 cr.)
• ASTR 206 – Stars and Stellar Systems (4 cr.)
• ASTR 306 – Observational Astronomy (3 cr.)
• ASTR 305 – The History of Astronomy (3 cr.)  or  PHYS 384 – Astrophysics (3 cr.)

When you decide to minor in astronomy, register in the department office to be assured of proper advising. To be accepted as a minor you must have a minimum grade point average of 2.00, regardless of a declaration of academic bankruptcy. The department may grant exceptions. No more than one grade below C- in physics and astronomy courses numbered 300 or above may be applied to the minor.

For more information on the astronomy minor, contact Adriana Durbala at Adriana.Durbala@uwsp.edu or Sebastian Zamfir at Sebastian.Zamfir@uwsp.edu

A minor in physics gives you an outstanding foundation for understanding science and technology. By succeeding in a challenging field of study, you will be able to distinguish yourself when you start a job or a career!

The physics minor consists of the following:

1. A minimum of 25 credits including Physics 111, 240, 250, 300 and other physics courses numbered above 300 not including 390 and 490. At least one elective must include a laboratory.
2. Math 225, 226, 227.
3. A minor in physics is certifiable for teaching only when accompanied by a certificate in another science (biology, chemistry, earth and space science, or environmental science) as part of the Natural Science for Science Teaching Certification degree.
4. When you decide to minor in physics, register in the department office to be assured of proper advising. To be accepted as a minor you must have a minimum grade point average of 2.00 (2.75 to student teach), regardless of a declaration of academic bankruptcy. The department may grant exceptions. No more than one grade below C- in physics courses numbered 300 or above may be applied to the minor.

For more information visit the UW-Stevens Point course catalog.