Astronomy

Tyler Wallace, Division Chair
509.793.2150
astronomy@bigbend.edu

Astronomy courses may be taken as part of the Associate in Arts and Science DTA degree. These courses may be used toward the Natural Science Breadth requirement or for Specified or General Elective credit. Students seeking Associate in Arts and Science DTA degree should refer to the catalog section “Degrees & Certificates” for a detailed description of the degree, its program outcomes, and courses that will satisfy degree requirements.

Astronomy is the study of the entire universe, ranging from descriptions of and explanations for the daily, seasonal, and annual motions we observe with our eyes to trying to understand the origin and evolution of the universe itself. Between those extremes astronomy includes the study of the increasing number of known solar systems, the stars and other matter that make up galaxies, and the way galaxies and clusters of galaxies interact in the warped fabric of space and time. A course in astronomy introduces a learner to a wide range of material in the area, but also looks at how we know what we know, incorporating material from other fields such as chemistry, geology, and physics.

Most professional astronomers work in academia, combining research with teaching. Some work in business or private industry, some in planetariums or science museums, some in purely teaching positions in high schools or community colleges. The large number of science and mathematics courses necessary for a degree in astronomy are applicable in many different employment fields.

Since programs differ at each college, students should consult program outlines published by the college or university to which they intend to transfer. Students should prepare their quarterly schedules with the assistance of an advisor knowledgeable in this transfer area.