Welcome to Undergraduate Studies

Course and Program Information for the St. George Campus (2009-2010 Academic Session)

CONTENTS

Introduction
Information for prospective UofT students
Address/Phone numbers
Degree Requirements

Since the launch of the Hubble Space Telescope in 1990 and the opening of a wide variety of major ground and space based sites for studying the Universe across the entire electromagnetic spectrum, astronomers have been provided with an astonishing wealth of new information. From detailed studies of the cosmic microwave background radiation to the discovery of planets around other stars, from exploring the collisions of galaxies billions of years ago to missions to other planets, astronomers are rapidly building a picture of the Universe and the processes by which it is evolving with greater detail than ever before. With this in mind, the Department of Astronomy & Astrophysics offers several courses to suit students with different backgrounds and different depths of interest.

One of the requirements for an Honours BSc degree at the University of Toronto is a program requirement. Four programs are offered by our department: a Specialist program in Astronomy and Physics, a Major and a Minor program in Astronomy & Astrophysics and a Specialist program in Planetary Science.

The Astronomy and Physics Specialist program contains primarily courses in physics and mathematics, but it also includes important courses in astronomy. The aim is to provide a proper balance between astronomy and those other physical sciences which play important roles in modern astrophysical research. Ontario students planning to enrol in this program should take grade 12 U courses in Geometry and Discreet Mathematics, Advanced Functions and Introductory Calculus, and Physics. A background in Chemistry is also strongly recommended, but not required. In addition, students who plan to take an Astronomy program should have some knowledge of computer programming. This may be acquired independently or through taking an introductory course in Computer Science, either in high school or at university. A choice of possible careers is open to students who complete the specialist program. They may undertake post-graduate studies in astronomy and astrophysics in order to become professional astronomers or they may follow careers in teaching, planetarium work or in space-related activities in industry or government. Some graduates have chosen careers in other disciplines such as geophysics, atmospheric physics, aerospace studies, remote sensing, and computer science.

 The Astronomy & Astrophysics Major program is suitable for students who want less concentration in physics and    mathematics. It can be combined with a program in another discipline (e.g. chemistry, computer science, statistics).   Ontario students planning to enrol in this program should take grade 12 U courses in Physics and Mathematics. Students  looking for even more breadth in their program selection may find the Astronomy & Astrophysics Minor program more appropriate.

The departments of Astronomy & Astrophysics, Chemistry, Geology and Physics offer an interdisciplinary specialist program in Planetary Science. The aim of this program is to provide information about different techniques for studying the nature and origin of planets and planetary systems. Students who are interested in pursuing graduate studies in one of these disciplines should include core courses from the appropriate departments in their course selection.

In addition to the above mentioned programs, we offer several courses which are suitable for students who are enrolled in programs in other disciplines. Two courses, AST 101H1 (The Sun and Its Neighbours) and AST 201H1 (Stars and Galaxies) are specifically designed for students of the Humanities or Social Sciences. In addition, AST 210H1 (Great Moments in Astronomy) is a course that may appeal to students with little or no background in science. Astronomy courses suitable as options for students of the Life Sciences are AST 121H1 (Origin and Evolution of the Universe), AST 210H1 or AST 251H1 (Life on Other Worlds). And of course, students may take the courses offered as requirements for the programs in Astronomy & Astrophysics, provided they have taken the prerequisite courses.

Full descriptions of the Astronomy programs are given on the next pages, followed by descriptions of the individual courses we offer.

Information about courses and programs in other departments can be obtained from the University of Toronto Faculty of Arts and Science Calendar. It is available on the World Wide Web at http://www.artsandscience.utoronto.ca/ofr/calendar/ and also available in secondary school guidance offices.

Written inquiries to UofT:

Office of Admissions and Awards
315 Bloor St. West
Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5S 1A3

Office of Admissions and Awards (416) 978-2190
or
Secondary Schools Liaison Office (within Admissions and Awards) (416) 978-2771

ask@admin (University of Toronto as a whole)
recruit@artsci (Faculty of Arts and Science, incl. astronomy)
ungrad.sec@astro (Dept. of Astronomy & Astrophysics)

NOTE: Please append '.utoronto.ca' to the above email address(es).

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