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"There's a lot of opportunity to do research with professors, and you can do that as early as your freshman year. Approach your professors about research opportunities, and they will help you gain that extra knowledge."

–Eric Semrud, aerospace engineering major

IT Student Voices

Astronomers and astrophysicists study the origins, contents, structure, and behavior of the universe. They apply mathematics and physical laws to understand and interpret observational data. During the past two decades, powerful modern technology has made it possible to produce astonishing astronomical discoveries and a wealth of data about the sun, moon, planets, stars, and galaxies, posing new questions and challenges for today's astronomers and astrophysicists.

Curriculum

The University's astrophysics program is small and informal. Astrophysics majors complete the same core courses in math, physics, and astrophysics and then choose an area of emphasis from the following tracks: professional astronomy, computational astrophysics, secondary education, data-analysis specialist/laboratory scientist, and military reserve officer. Many students major in both astrophysics and physics. If you choose this option, you will complete a supervised observation or theoretical research project in your senior year.

The department's facilities include a 30-inch reflector near Minneapolis and a 60-inch reflector on Mt. Lemmon near Tucson, Ariz. Resources of large facilities like Arecibo Radio Observatory, Kitt Peak National Observatory, Mauna Kea Observatory, and the National Radio Astronomy Observatory are also available for faculty and student use. In addition, a large computer network and the department's direct link to the University's Minnesota Supercomputing Institute may be used for student research projects.

For more information about a degree in aerospace engineering and mechanics

IT Student Voices: Eric Semrud