Astronomy is not only one of the oldest sciences, but also one of the most active in terms of exciting and ground breaking new discoveries. Astronomy, together with its cognate sciences Astrophysics and Cosmology, is concerned with the discovery and understanding of celestial objects ranging from asteroids and comets to planets, stars, galaxies, galaxy clusters, and the evolution of the universe on the largest scales.

A Certificate in Astronomy will introduce you to all the interesting fields of astronomical inquiry and provide you with hands on experience with telescopes, advanced imaging devices, and astronomical data reduction and analysis techniques.

If you would like to pursue graduate studies in astronomy, you should take the B.Sc. (Honours) degree in
Physics with a Specialization in Astronomy.

Please contact phys_engphys@usask.ca if you have any questions regarding the Astronomy program options.

Major Average

The major average in the Certificate in Astronomy includes the grades earned in:

  • All courses eligible to be used in the program.

Residency Requirements in the Major

To receive a Certificate in Astronomy, students must complete at least two-thirds of the following
coursework (to the nearest highest multiple of 3 credit units) from the University of Saskatchewan.

  • Minimum credit units required in the program.

See Residency for additional details.

Requirements (15 credit units)

  • ASTR 213.3 
  • ASTR 214.3 
Choose 9 credit units from the following:

  • ASTR — 100-Level, 200-Level, 300-Level, 400-Level

Notes

Students may complete this program without taking any additional courses at the University of
Saskatchewan. To do so, students will take the following courses:

  • ASTR 102.3
  • ASTR 104.3
  • ASTR 113.3
  • ASTR 213.3
  • ASTR 214.3 

Students who have completed related courses in MATH and PHYS will have the option to choose ASTR
courses at the 300- and 400-level as part of the requirements for this program. Such students can
complete this program by taking:

  • ASTR 213.3
  • ASTR 214.3

And nine credit units from:

  • ASTR 102.3 
  • ASTR 104.3
  • ASTR 113.3
  • ASTR 298.3
  • ASTR 299.6
  • ASTR 310.3
  • ASTR 312.3
  • ASTR 398.3
  • ASTR 399.6
  • ASTR 411.3
  • ASTR 498.3 
  • ASTR 499.6